ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether dogs undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy might have a lower overall and wound-healing complication rate than those undergoing an open surgical approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of dogs that underwent laparascopic or open surgical ovariectomy between January 1, 2013 and January 1, 2018 by the same team of similarly experienced surgeons using standard practice anaesthetic, theatre and perioperative protocols. General complications were described and graded using the Clavien-Dindo system. Complication rates were compared between the two groups of dogs. Wound complications were further subdivided using the U.S. Centers for Disease Control guidelines. RESULTS: According to the Clavien-Dindo system, 46 of 106 (44%) dogs undergoing open ovariectomy developed a complication. Thirty dogs (28.3%) had wound healing complications, the majority of which were minor and self-limiting. Superficial site infections occurred in 50 (5%) cases and deep surgical site infections in one dog (1%). Incisional herniation occurred in four (4%) cases. Thirty-one (20%) of 154 dogs undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy developed a complication. Seventeen (11%) developed wound healing complications, most of which were minor; five (3%) developed superficial surgical site infections and none had deep surgical site infections. Incisional herniation occurred in none of the laparoscopic cases. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The rates of overall and wound healing complications were lower for the laparascopic group than the open surgical group in this non-randomised study. Laparoscopy might be considered preferable for ovariectomy in dogs but confirmation requires a randomised trial.
