Use of a vessel sealant device for splenectomy in dogs.

OBJECTIVE

To (1) describe a technique for splenic vessel hemostasis and (2) report complications and outcome after use of bipolar sealant device during splenectomy in dogs.

STUDY

DESIGN

Case series.

ANIMALS: Dogs (n=27) with naturally occurring splenic disease.

METHODS

Between January 2006 and March 2008, splenectomy was performed using a vessel sealant device in 27 dogs with naturally occurring splenic disease. Number of sutures needed for splenectomy and complications were recorded. Splenic artery diameter was measured using a caliper. Intraoperative hemostasis, device ease of use, postoperative hemorrhage, and short-term survival were evaluated.

RESULTS

Splenectomy was performed successfully in 27 dogs with the vessel sealant device; none of the dogs required vessel ligation with suture. The splenic artery was dissected and adequately sealed in each dog. One dog was readmitted 4 days after surgery with hemoabdomen. Abdominal exploration revealed splenic pedicle hemorrhage and pancreatitis, the vessel sealant device was used to coagulate splenic pedicle bleeding. The dog was alive at suture removal.

CONCLUSION

In dogs, a vessel sealant device may be used to achieve efficient and safe hemostasis of the splenic vascular pedicle without sutures.