Neodymium: Yttrium aluminum garnet surgical laser versus bipolar electrocoagulation for laparoscopic ovariectomy in dogs

Objective— To compare use of neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) surgical laser and bipolar electrocoagulation (BEC) for laparoscopic ovariectomy (OVE) in dogs. Study Design— Prospective clinical trial. Animals— Female dogs (n=72). Methods— Laparoscopic OVE by Nd:YAG laser (600 μm optical fiber, contact mode) in 36 dogs was compared with laparoscopic OVE by bipolar electro‐coagulating grasping forceps. Dogs were paired (laser, electrocoagulation) matched for breed, age, body weight, obesity, and number of heat cycles. Duration of predetermined surgery times and total surgical time were compared between groups. Occurrence of intra‐ and postoperative complications and their effect on surgical duration were evaluated. Results— Laser surgery resulted in a higher incidence of intraoperative mesovarial bleeding (12 times; 9 dogs) compared with electrosurgery (4 times; 3 dogs). Use of laser caused a 2 minute delay for transection of the left ovary compared with electrosurgery. Postoperative complication rates and convalescence were similar for both groups. Conclusions— BEC reduced surgical time and intraoperative mesovarial bleeding compared with laser resection. Clinical Relevance— Although the laser was effective for laparoscopic OVE, bipolar electrosurgical laparoscopic OVE remained the method of choice.