Comparison of harmonic shears, diode laser, and scissor cutting and suturing for caudal palatoplasty in dogs with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. (February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Conte, A.; Berlato, D.; Rasotto, R.; Bass, J.; Bussadori, R.; Nicoli, S.; Murgia, D.
• Is Part Of: Veterinary journal. Volume 280(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-02
• Subjects: Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome -- Diode laser -- Dog -- Harmonic technology -- Staphylectomy; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; 636
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2022.105802
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1090-0233

Abstract

Highlights: Minimal surgical time and tissue damage is essential during staphylectomy. Sharp excision with scalpel/scissors is the traditional method for staphylectomy. Different advanced technologies have been used in the past decade. Harmonic technology provided operational ease and saves time. Abstract: Traditionally, staphylectomy has been performed using scissors cutting and suturing. Alternative surgical techniques such as staphylectomy with monopolar electrocoagulation, CO2 or diode laser, bipolar vessel sealing device and harmonic shears have also been described. The purpose of this prospective study was to compare the difference in surgical time, intraoperative haemorrhage and histological damage between staphylectomy performed with harmonic shears (HSS), diode laser (DLS) and traditional scissor 'cutting and suturing' technique with Metzenbaum scissors (SIS). Group HSS included 17 dogs, whereas Group DLS and Group SIS included 10 dogs each. Double masked histological evaluation was performed on the excised specimens. The harmonic shears resulted in the shortest surgical times (HSS 46 s, DLS 300 s, SIS 360 s; P < 0.001). There was a difference in the intraoperative haemorrhage among the three techniques; intraoperative haemorrhage did not occur in HSS and DLS groups. HSS was associated with more frequent damage involving the connective tissue ( P = 0.001), muscle ( P = 0.038), salivary gland tissue ( P < 0.001), but less oedema was observed ( P < 0.001). HSS was the fastest of the techniques evaluated for caudal elongated soft palate resection, resulting in less tissue oedema, and no intra-operative haemorrhage. These characteristics might result in reduced postoperative swelling and airway obstruction compared to other techniques.