Comparison of Hemorrhagic Complications with Double-ligated versus Auto-ligated Feline Ovarian Pedicles by Fourth-Year Veterinary Students

The objective of this article is to compare the occurrence of hemorrhagic complications in student-performed feline ovarian pedicle ligations using the traditional suture pedicle double-ligation (PDL) to the suture-less auto-ligation (AL) techniques, and to describe the stepwise method of teaching the AL technique to students. A total of 287 cats underwent an ovariohysterectomy (OHE) performed by a fourth-year veterinary student trained by veterinary faculty to perform the AL technique beginning with a low-fidelity model and progressing to live patient surgeries. Students performed the AL and PDL techniques on 146 and 141 cats respectively. Hemorrhagic complications occurred in 4 of 146 cats (2.7%) in the AL group and 8 of 141 (5.7%) in the PDL group and were not found to be significantly different ( = 0.2496). This article demonstrates that novice surgeons can safely perform the AL technique on feline ovarian pedicles without significantly increasing complications compared to the traditionally taught method when a stepwise training program is implemented. Additionally, this technique has been shown to be safe, effective, and more efficient when performed by experienced veterinary surgeons. Veterinary institutions should consider including the AL technique in their core curricula as a standard method for feline ovarian pedicle ligation. Doing so will facilitate the development of more proficient entry-level practitioners who are better able to serve their patients, clients, employers, humane societies, and their communities by using a more efficient and safe feline ovariohysterectomy technique.