Comparison of Nd:YAG surgical laser and Remorgida bipolar electrosurgery forceps for canine laparoscopic ovariectomy

Objective-To investigate and compare technique, surgical time, and complications of canine laparoscopic ovariectomy using Nd:YAG surgical laser and Remorgida bipolar electrosurgery forceps. Study Design-Randomized, prospective clinical trial. Animals-Female dogs (n = 40) for elective ovariectomy. Methods-Dogs had bilateral ovariectomy with one ovary randomly assigned to removal by use of Nd:YAG surgical laser with a 600 pin optical fiber in contact mode and the other ovary to removal by use of a Remorgida forceps (featuring bipolar electrocoagulation with simultaneous sharp resection). Duration of predetermined surgery intervals and complications were compared between techniques. Additionally, the effects of several intraoperative variables on surgical time were evaluated. Results-Ovariectomy by use of Remorgida forceps required significantly less time than laser ovariectomy but intraoperative hemorrhage was not reduced. Surgical time was significantly increased in obese dogs, depending on the amount of fat in the ovarian ligament. Intraoperative hemorrhage had no significant influence on surgical time. Conclusion-Both ovariectomy techniques were effective but the Remorgida forceps can be used as a relatively inexpensive, stand-alone device that decreases surgical time compared with Nd:YAG laser ovariectomy. Clinical Relevance-Novel techniques, such as laser and combined bipolar electrosurgical and cutting forceps aim to reduce surgery duration, complication rates and recovery time in laparoscopic surgery. (c) Copyright 2007 by; The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.