Effects of two alveolar recruitment maneuvers in an "open-lung" approach during laparoscopy in dogs.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a sustained inflation alveolar recruiting maneuver (ARM) followed by 5 cmH2O of PEEP and a stepwise ARM, in dogs undergoing laparoscopic surgery. Materials and methods: Twenty adult dogs were enrolled in this prospective randomized clinical study. Dogs were premedicated with methadone intramuscularly (IM); anesthesia was induced with propofol intravenously (IV) and maintained with inhaled isoflurane in pure oxygen. The baseline ventilatory setting (BVS) was as follows: tidal volume of 15 mL/kg, inspiratory pause of 25%, inspiratory to expiratory ratio of 1:2, and the respiratory rate to maintain the end-tidal carbon dioxide between 45 and 55 mmHg. 10 min after pneumoperitoneum, randomly, 10 dogs underwent sustained inflation ARM followed by 5 cmH2O of PEEP (ARMi), while 10 dogs underwent a stepwise recruitment maneuver followed by the setting of the "best PEEP" (ARMc). Gas exchange, respiratory system mechanics, and hemodynamic were evaluated before the pneumoperitoneum induction (BASE), 10 min after the pneumoperitoneum (PP), 10 min after the recruitment (ARM), and 10 min after the pneumoperitoneum resolution (PostPP). Statistical analysis was performed with the ANOVA test (p < 0.05). Results: Static compliance decreased in both groups at PP (ARMc = 1.35 ± 0.21; ARMi = 1.16 ± 0.26 mL/cmH2O/kg) compared to BASE (ARMc = 1.78 ± 0.60; ARMi = 1.66 ± 0.66 mL/cmH2O/kg) and at ARM (ARMc = 1.71 ± 0.41; ARMi = 1.44 ± 0.84 mL/cmH2O/kg) and PostPP (ARMc = 1.75 ± 0.45; ARMi = 1.89 ± 0.59 mL/cmH2O/kg), and it was higher compared to PP and similar to BASE. The PaO2/FiO2, in both groups, was higher at ARM (ARMc = 455.11 ± 85.90; ARMi = 505.40 ± 31.70) and PostPP (ARMc = 521.30 ± 66.20; ARMi = 450.90 ± 70.60) compared to PP (ARMc = 369.53 ± 49.31; ARMi = 394.32 ± 37.72). Conclusion and clinical relevance: The two ARMs improve lung function in dogs undergoing laparoscopic surgery similarly. Application of PEEP at the end of the ARMs prolonged the effects of the open-lung strategy.

Comparison of total laparoscopic gastropexy with the Ethicon Securestrap fixation device versus knotless barbed suture in dogs.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of a laparoscopic absorbable fixation device (Securestrap) in total laparoscopic gastropexy in dogs susceptible to gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) compared to laparoscopic gastropexy performed with a barbed suture. We hypothesised that both techniques provide suitable gastropexy. METHODS: The gastropexy was performed by straps (TLG-SS group, n = 6) or with a barbed suture (TLG-Vloc group, n = 6). The total surgery time, gastropexy time, the number of straps used and suture bites were recorded. Clinical and ultrasound investigations were performed during follow-up. RESULTS: The total surgery time was 30 minutes in the TLG-SS, while it was 46.66 minutes in the TLG-Vloc. In the TLG-SS group, gastropexy time was 13 minutes, while 36.3 minutes in the TLG-Vloc. The number of straps employed in TLG-SS was 9, while seven bites were employed in TLG-Vloc. Linear regression analysis of gastropexy time versus the number of procedures was highly correlated (r2 = 0.84) in the TLG-SS. Complications, clinical and ultrasound findings did not differ between the two techniques at 90 days post-surgery. CONCLUSION: TLG-SS laparoscopic technique can be employed safely and effectively in less time and is associated with a relatively short learning curve, which could encourage the widespread use of prophylactic laparoscopic gastropexy.

Absorbable fixation straps for laparoscopic gastropexy in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of laparoscopic absorbable fixation straps (AFS) for laparoscopic gastropexy in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Cadaveric and prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Five dog cadavers for the cadaveric study; 12 dogs for the clinical study. METHODS: The pyloric antrum was affixed to the abdominal wall laparoscopically by applying a series of straps. The cadaveric study assessed potential challenges during the procedure and stomach mucosal penetration. For the clinical study, the total duration of surgery, time to complete the gastropexy, and the number of straps used were recorded. Ultrasound evidence of adhesion, complications, and weight were monitored at 7, 30, and 90 days after surgery. Owner satisfaction was evaluated at the 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: The total duration of surgery was 25.8 minutes (range, 19-39; SD, 6.7), and the time to complete the gastropexy was 10.1 minutes (range, 7-19; SD, 3.9). The linear regression analysis revealed an inverse correlation between the time to complete the gastropexy and the order of the surgeries (r2  = 0.75, P < .05). No complications were recorded. Ultrasound examination was used to confirm gastropexy at all follow-ups. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic gastropexy with AFS was performed in both cadavers and clinical animals with minimal complications. Persistent adhesion was demonstrated during ultrasound evaluations and in one postmortem evaluation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This novel laparoscopic technique can be employed safely, effectively, and reasonably quickly, and the learning curve is expected to be relatively short.

Comparison of Laparoscopic Steerable Instruments Performed by Expert Surgeons and Novices.

As an alternative to the surgical robot, some medical companies have engineered new steerable devices that mimic the robot's capacities. This study aimed to assess how steerable instruments ameliorate the efficacy of suturing in comparison with the traditional instrument, and a combination instruments, performed by experienced and novice surgeons. The study was performed by three experienced surgeons and three novice surgeons. The instruments employed were divided into three surgical sets: two steerable dissectors; one steerable dissector and one straight needle; two straight needle holders. The study supervisor recorded the total time for the procedure, the number of bites completed, the time for each bite, and the quality of the procedure. In our study, we found consistent data demonstrating that experienced laparoscopists completed the prescribed suture pattern with more bites in less time than novices. The use of two steerable instruments was more time consuming than standard straight instruments, but a combination of instruments was significantly less time consuming, as was the use of two straight needle holders. This result was even observed in novice surgeons. Combining a steerable instrument with a traditional straight needle holder provided more advantages in this study.

Biomechanical evaluation of an absorbable fixation strap for use in total laparoscopic gastropexy in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare load-to-failure results for laparoscopic absorbable fixation straps (AFSs) deployed at various angles and for AFSs versus absorbable knotless (barbed) suture when used in simulated total laparoscopic gastropexy (TLG) in specimens from cadaveric dogs. SAMPLE: 30 stomach and abdominal body wall specimens. PROCEDURES: Specimens were assigned to 1 of 3 groups for use in simulated TLG constructs for comparisons of load-to-failure results for single AFSs deployed at 30°, 60°, or 90° (AFS-angle group; n = 10) or for a gastropexy span of 4 to 5 cm achieved with 3-0 absorbable knotless (barbed) monofilament suture applied in a simple continuous pattern (TLG-1; 10) versus 8 AFSs applied with a deployment angle > 30° (TLG-2; 10). A 1-way ANOVA was used to compare results among AFS deployment angles (30°, 60°, or 90°) and between TLG-1 and TLG-2. RESULTS: Mean ± SD load to failure for the AFS-angle group was significantly higher for the AFS deployment angles of 60° (8.00 ± 3.90 N) and 90° (12.71 ± 8.00 N), compared with 30° (5.17 ± 1.90 N). However, no substantial difference was detected in the mean ± SD load to failure for TLG-1 (39.18 ± 7.1 N) versus TLG-2 (31.43 ± 10.86 N). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results of the present study supported the potential use of AFSs in gastropexy in dogs; however, prospective clinical research with adequate long-term follow-up is warranted before recommendations can be made.

Role of Tibial Tuberosity Fracture/Fissure through the Maquet Hole in Stifle Osteoarthritis after Porous Tibial Tuberosity Advancement in Dogs at Mid-Term Follow-Up.

Tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) is used to treat cranial cruciate ligament rupture of the stifle joint in dogs. Tibial tuberosity fracture/fissure is a complication of TTA that may have a favorable prognosis. The aim of this study was to detect how tibial tuberosity fracture/fissure through the Maquet hole worsens the progression of osteoarthritis (OA) in the stifle joint of dogs treated with porous TTA. Seventeen cases were included in the study, divided into two groups. The first group (n = 10) included subjects that had tibial tuberosity fracture/fissure through the Maquet, and the second group included subjects that had no complications (n = 7). Both groups showed significant progression compared to OA at 3 months after surgery. We observed that at T0, the control group showed a higher level of OA. For this reason, we normalized the OA scores, evaluating the percentage difference from T0 and T1. We verified that there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. The results confirm that OA progression in subjects undergoing TTA was not significantly influenced by fracture/fissure of the tibial tuberosity through the Maquet hole. Therefore, fracture fissure through the Maquet hole should be considered as a common minor complication during TTA.

Evaluation of the Effects of Undenatured Type II Collagen (UC-II) as Compared to Robenacoxib on the Mobility Impairment Induced by Osteoarthritis in Dogs.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease that requires a multimodal therapeutic approach. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of undenatured type II collagen (UC-II) as compared to robenacoxib in dogs affected by OA. Our hypothesis was that the two compounds would be similar (non-inferiority) in improving mobility. To test this hypothesis, a complete orthopedic examination, x-ray and the Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) survey were performed in dogs affected by OA before and after the treatments. The study was designed as a clinical, randomized, controlled and prospective study. Sixty client-owned dogs were randomized in the R group (n = 30, robenacoxib 1 mg/kg/day for 30 days) and in the UC-II group (n = 30, UC-II 1 tablet/day for 30 days). Thirty days after the beginning of the treatment (T30), the dogs were reassessed for the LOAD, MOBILITY and CLINICAL scores. Based on the data obtained from the study, a significant reduction in LOAD and MOBILITY scores was recorded between T0 and T30 with a similar magnitude among the two groups (R = 31.5%, p < 0.001; UC-II = 32.7%, p = 0.013). The results of this study showed that UC-II and robenacoxib were able to similarly improve mobility of dogs affected by OA.

Pulse Pressure Variation Can Predict the Hemodynamic Response to Pneumoperitoneum in Dogs: A Retrospective Study.

Pneumoperitoneum may induce important hemodynamic alterations in healthy subjects. Pulse pressure variation (PPV) is a hemodynamic parameter able to discriminate preload dependent subjects. Anesthesia records of dogs undergoing laparoscopy were retrospectively evaluated. The anesthetic protocol included acepromazine, methadone, propofol and isoflurane administered with oxygen under mechanical ventilation. The hemodynamic parameters were considered five minutes before (BASE) and ten minutes after (P10) the pneumoperitoneum. Based on the cardiac index (CI) variation, at P10, dogs were classified as sensitive (S group, CI ≤ 15%) and non-sensitive (NO-S group). Data were analyzed with the ANOVA test and the ROC curve (p < 0.05). Fifty-five percent of dogs (S) had a reduction of CI ≥ 15% at P10 (2.97 ± 1.4 L/min/m²) compared to BASE (4.32 ± 1.62 L/min/m²) and at P10 in the NO-S group (4.51 ± 1.41 L/min/m²). PPV at BASE was significantly higher in the S group (22.4% ± 6.1%) compared to the NO-S group (10.9% ± 3.3%). The ROC curve showed a threshold of PPV > 16% to distinguish the S and NO-S groups. PPV may be a valid predictor of the hemodynamic response to pneumoperitoneum in dogs. A PPV > 16% can identify patients that may require fluid administration before the creation of pneumoperitoneum.

41 Cases of Treatment of Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture with Porous TTA: Three Years of Follow Up.

Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) is a surgical technique based on a linear osteotomy that determines a cranial advancement of the tibial tuberosity in patients suffering from cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCL). The aim is to neutralize the cranial tibial thrust (CTT) and to reach a 90° angle between the patellar tendon and the tibial plateau with a physiological knee extension of 135°. In our study, a Ti6AI4V ELI (Titanium Aluminium Vanadium) titanium scaffold for the Porous TTA, with excellent properties of osteointegration and osteoconduction when subjected to cyclic loading has been adopted. Based on the previous scientific work on an ovine model, the use of this type of porous scaffolds has subverted the previous models. Scaffold production technology is based on direct mechanical manufacturing called Electron Beam Melting (EBM). For this study, 41 dogs, different breeds, medium-large size, weighing between 10 and 80 kg, aged between 1 and 13 years, were enrolled. The inclusion criteria were based on clinical evaluations (different gaits), drawer test and tibial compression, LOAD score (Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs questionnaire), radiographic diagnosis in sedation with a 135° positioning of the joint and baropodometric investigations (Stance Analyzer). The results show that Porous TTA is an excellent method for functional recovery of the knee joint following the partial and total rupture of the CCL.