Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Clinical effects of the use of a bipolar vessel sealing device for soft palate resection and tonsillectomy in dogs, with histological assessment of resected tonsillar tissue.
- Journal:
- Australian veterinary journal
- Year:
- 2015
- Authors:
- Cook, D A et al.
- Affiliation:
- Veterinary Specialist Services · Australia
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
In this study, researchers looked at 22 dogs with breathing problems caused by a condition called brachycephalic airway syndrome, which is common in certain flat-faced breeds. The dogs underwent surgery to remove their soft palate and tonsils using a special tool called a bipolar vessel sealing device (BVSD). After the surgery, the dogs showed a significant improvement in their breathing scores, indicating that they were able to breathe better. The study also found that using a lower power setting on the device caused less damage to the tonsil tissue. Overall, the surgery was effective in improving the dogs' breathing, although one dog did have a serious complication.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether soft palate resection and tonsillectomy with a bipolar vessel sealing device (BVSD) improves clinical respiratory score. To document histopathological changes to tonsillar tissue following removal with a BVSD. METHODS & RESULTS: Case series of 22 dogs with clinical signs of upper respiratory obstruction related to brachycephalic airway syndrome. Soft palate and tonsils were removed using a BVSD. Alarplasty and saccullectomy were also performed if indicated. A clinical respiratory score was assigned preoperatively, 24-h postoperatively and 5 weeks postoperatively. Excised tonsillar samples were measured and then assessed histologically for depth of tissue damage deemed to be caused by the device. Depth of tissue damage was compared between two power settings of the device. Soft palate resection and tonsillectomy with a BVSD lead to a significant improvement in respiratory scores following surgery. Depth of tissue damage was significantly less for power setting 1 compared with power setting 2. Using power setting 1, median calculated depth of tonsillar tissue damage was 3.4 mm (range 1.2-8.0). One dog experienced major complications. CONCLUSION: Soft palate resection and tonsillectomy with a BVSD led to significant improvement in clinical respiratory score.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26769070/