Evaluation of different laparoscopic sterilization techniques in a canine birth control program

Abstract

Three laparoscopic sterilization techniques under xylazine-ketamine anesthesia were evaluated at a 10 mmHg pressure gradient of CO_2 in 60 mongrel bitches, equally divided into 3 groups (A, B, and C). Laparoscopic bilateral oopherectomy was done in group A, laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy by endoclip and electrocautery in group B, and sterilization by electrocautery in group C. All of the animals recovered from anesthesia smoothly after the completion of laparoscopic surgery. Intraoperative observations revealed good visualization of the reproductive organs at 10 mmHg of pressure in the Trendelenburg position. Comparison among the various laparoscopic techniques revealed a more effective hemostasis with titanium endoclip and electrocautery in the animals of groups A and B. No immediate postlaparoscopic complications were observed in any animal. Hemato-biochemical and physiological parameters did not reveal any significant changes in these animals during the postoperative period. In all of the groups, effective removal of ovaries was correlated with a postoperative decrease of plasma estrogen and progesterone level. Laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy by endoclip and electrocautery was found to be better than the other 2 techniques.