Short-Term Outcome of Multiple Port Laparoscopic Splenectomy in 10 Dogs

Objective To describe surgical techniques for multiple port laparoscopic splenectomy (MLS) in dogs and report short‐term outcome. Study design Retrospective case series. Animals Dogs (n = 10) with naturally occurring splenic disease. Methods Medical records (March 2012–March 2013) of dogs that had MLS were reviewed. Data retrieved included signalment, weight, clinical signs, physical examination findings, preoperative laboratory and ultrasonographic findings, port number, size, and location, patient positioning, additional procedures performed, surgical duration, histopathologic diagnosis, duration of hospitalization, and perioperative complications. Results Ten dogs (median weight, 28.7 kg; range, 20.2–46.0 kg) had MLS using a 3 or 4 port technique and a vessel‐sealing device for tissue dissection along the splenic hilus. Dog positioning varied because of additional laparoscopic or laparoscopic‐assisted procedures including adrenalectomy (n = 2), ovariectomy (1), gastropexy (1), and intestinal resection and anastomosis (1). Conversion to an open approach was necessary in 1 dog because of inadequate visibility caused by omental adhesions. One dog had hemorrhage from an omental vessel, but open conversion was not required. Conclusions MLS was associated with little perioperative morbidity and few complications in this cohort of dogs and may be a reasonable option for surgical management of dogs requiring elective splenectomy.