Laparoscopic Castration Using Bipolar Forceps vs. Orchiectomy in Dogs: A Comparison of Two Techniques

Inês Tenreiro Tavares,Carlo G Vaudano,Ramón R Barreno,José Raduan Jaber,José P Sales-Luís

doi:10.3390/ani11113041

Abstract

Simple SummaryCastration of dogs is one of the most often performed surgeries in veterinary medicine. Minimally invasive techniques used in human medicine are now being used in animals. We compared the feasibility and effects on pain and inflammation of a new laparoscopic technique with the classical castration technique. The animals in which the new technique was applied showed less pain and inflammation then the other group. Our results suggest that this is a feasible alternative to classical castration.This paper aimed to study the feasibility of a new laparoscopic castration technique in male dogs, evaluate the pain associated with it, and compare it with the classical orchiectomy. Surgical times, pain scores, blood and salivary cortisol, and CRP were recorded and compared between the two groups. The use of high-frequency bipolar forceps allowed quick and uneventful laparoscopic procedures. The laparoscopic group had significantly lower pain scores, cortisol, and PCR values than the orchiectomy group. No complications were seen in any group. Our results suggest that this laparoscopic castration is a safe and beneficial surgical alternative to traditional orchiectomy in dogs.

Highlights

Elective sterilization of dogs is one of the most performed procedures in veterinary practice, which is reported to increase dog’s life expectancy [1,2]
Dogs were considered healthy based on history, complete physical examination, hematological examination, and serum biochemical analysis on admission, and classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) category ASA 1
Dogs were randomly assigned to two groups of ten animals, pre-scrotal orchiectomy (OR) or laparoscopic sterilization (LS)

Summary

Introduction

Elective sterilization of dogs is one of the most performed procedures in veterinary practice, which is reported to increase dog’s life expectancy [1,2]. The most often used technique is an orchiectomy, in which the testis is moved cranially and exposed with a pre-scrotal incision in order to be removed [9]. This conventional method for castration is associated with several postoperative complications such as scrotal swelling, wound dehiscence, infection, maggot infestation, and hemorrhage [10]. Hemorrhage can lead to scrotal hematoma or intra-abdominal hemorrhage

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