Staphylectomy with Onemytis Airplasma versus carbon dioxide laser to correct elongated soft palate: A prospective, randomized, clinical, histological and immunohistochemical trial in dogs.

Abstract

Elongated soft palate is a pathological condition that frequently affects dogs and is often treated surgically by staphylectomy. The aim of the study was to compare clinical efficacy and tissue invasiveness of two staphylectomy techniques: Onemytis&#xae; with Airplasma&#xae; technology versus CO&#x2082; laser. Thirty-six dogs with elongated soft palate were included in a prospective, randomized clinical trial and allocated into two groups: 18 in Group OM (Onemytis&#xae;) and 18 in Group CO2 (COlaser). Outcomes assessed included clinical parameters (clinical score, surgical duration, owner satisfaction), histological features (edema, thermal damage, hyperemia, margin regularity), and immunohistochemical markers (Caspase-3, Heat Shock Proteins, T.U.N.E.L expression) to evaluate surgical efficacy and iatrogenic injury. The clinical outcome showed satisfactory and similar clinical efficacy for both surgical techniques (P&#xa0;>&#xa0;0.05). The duration of surgery with Onemytis&#xae; was significantly shorter (P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.0004). Histological (P&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.0001) and immunohistochemical analyses (HSP and T.U.N.E.L: P&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.0001; Caspase-3: P&#xa0;>&#xa0;0.05) consistently indicated that Onemytis&#xae; was less invasive than CO&#x2082; laser, causing reduced collateral tissue damage. Both instruments are suitable in performing staphylectomy in dogs with elongated soft palate, however the results of the present study suggest that Onemytis&#xae; is faster and induces less trauma on pharyngeal tissue compared to COlaser.