Ovariohisterectomy in dogs by transvaginal hybrid NOTES: prospective comparison with laparoscopic and open technique

Abstract

The objective of this study was to compare the hybrid transvaginal NOTES (Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery) with video-assisted surgery using two portals and open surgery for ovariohysterectomy (OVH) in dogs. Twenty-four client-owned mixed-breed female dogs, weighing 5 to 19 kg, presented for OVH at the hospital were assigned to three groups. Group 1 (H-NOTES): OVH using the technique of hybrid NOTES; Group 2 (LOVH): two portals laparoscopic OVH; Group 3 (OOVH): OVH using open technique. Surgical time, complications, and postoperative pain were compared according to surgical procedure. Operative time in NOTES group had an average of 58.25 minutes and was statistically similar to group LOVH (mean 70.15) and OOVH (mean 41.37 minutes). The NOTES group had significantly lower postoperative pain scores for groups LOVH and OOVH (Melbourne scale). Minor complications were found in all groups, and no animal died in consequence of the procedures. The hybrid NOTES technique for laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy in dogs is feasible, with advantages such as less postoperative pain compared to laparoscopic and open techniques and less surgical time for LOVH. Transvaginal hybrid NOTES OVH is safe and may be associated with less post-operative pain when compared to standard video-assisted surgery with two portals and open surgery.