Lift laparoscopy in dogs and cats: 12 cases (2008-2009).

OBJECTIVE

To describe clinical and physiologic changes during lift laparoscopy in dogs and cats and determine immediate surgical outcome.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

ANIMALS

Client-owned dogs (n = 7) and cats (5).

PROCEDURES

A custom-made lift device was used to retract the abdominal wall for laparoscopic instrumentation. The lift device was used first in 3 dog cadavers to assess the risk of complications. Thereafter, the device was used for routine laparoscopic procedures in client-owned animals. Data collected from medical records included signalment, body weight, clinical signs, diagnosis, surgery type and duration, conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery, preoperative American Society of Anesthesiologists score, mean intraoperative respiratory rate, mean and peak end-tidal partial pressure of CO(2) during the laparoscopic surgery, ventilation method, mean saturation of hemoglobin with O(2), mean and systolic arterial pressures during the laparoscopic surgery, total anesthesia time, signs of pain immediately after recovery, duration of hospitalization, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Lift laparoscopy was successfully performed in 10 of the 12 patients. No adverse effects were noted with the use of this technique. However, in 1 dog and 1 cat, conversion to laparotomy was necessary because of poor visualization.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Results suggested that lift laparoscopy is feasible in dogs and cats and is an option that can be used in clinical practice, especially if creation of positive-pressure pneumoperitoneum is not desirable.