Comparison of laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy and ovariohysterectomy in dogs

Objectives-To evaluate technique, complication rates, postoperative pain scores, and clinical outcomes in dogs after laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy (LOVH) or traditional ovariohysterectomy (OVH). Study Design-Prospective clinical trial. Animals or Sample Population-Thirty-four intact female dogs, weighing 2.4-31 kg. Methods-LOVH (16 dogs) was performed by ligation of the uterus and ovaries with surgical wire, and then removal by an assisted laparoscopic technique. OVH was performed in 18 dogs. Subjective and objective pain scores were assigned at 0, 2, 8, and 24 hours. Surgical time, complications, and pain and incision scores were evaluated. Dogs were followed for up to 6 months. Results-The mean surgical time for LOVH (120 minutes; range, 47-175 minutes) was significantly longer than for OVH (69 minutes; range, 25-140 minutes). Significantly lower pain scores (subjective, in 2 of 10 categories; objective, in 8 of 10 categories) were identified with LOVH at I or more time periods. Surgical complications with LOVH were postoperative fever and anorexia (I dog), minor splenic (3) or pedicle hemorrhage (4), intermittent vaginal hemorrhagic discharge (1), and suture reaction (3). Surgical complications with OVH were hemorrhage from an ovarian pedicle requiring reoperation (1 dog), dehiscence of the abdominal wall (1), and seroma (1). Anesthetic complications included hypotension in 8 OVH dogs and 1 LOVH dog, and hypothermia in 4 OVH and 9 LOVH dogs. The mean incision scores were lower for LOVH at all time periods. Conclusion-LOVH was performed successfully in young nonparous dogs > 10 kg. Surgical time and complication rates were greater; however, LOVH postoperative pain scores were less than or equal to OVH scores. Clinical Relevance-LOVH is a potentially safe surgical alternative to traditional OVH in dogs. Equipment cost and necessity for more than 1 surgeon may limit its usefulness in small animal practice. (C) Copyright 2004 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.