Editorial Type:
Surgery

Comparison of the use of a vessel-sealing device versus ligatures for occlusion of uterine tissues during ovariohysterectomy or ovariectomy in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Euan J. McLean 1Translational Research and Animal Clinical Trial Study (TRACTS) Group, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3052, Australia.

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Andrew P. Woodward 2Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences (Woodward), University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3052, Australia.

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Stewart D. Ryan 1Translational Research and Animal Clinical Trial Study (TRACTS) Group, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3052, Australia.

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.81.9.755
Volume/Issue:
Volume 81: Issue 9
Online Publication Date:
01 Sep 2020
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Abstract

OBJECTIVE

To compare the bursting strength of the uterine horns (UHs) and cervical-vestibule junction (CVJs) of rabbits following sealing with a vessel-sealing device (VSD) or encircling ligatures.

SAMPLE

UHs and CVJs collected from 30 rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) cadavers.

PROCEDURES

UHs and CVJs were randomly assigned to sealing with encircling Miller knot ligatures (LIG; n = 10 CVJs and 20 UHs) or a VSD (12 CVJs and 24 UHs). Lumens were infused with saline (0.9% NaCl) solution under pressure until seals burst or to a maximum pressure of 300 mm Hg.

RESULTS

For CVJs, median (range) bursting pressure of the LIG and VSD groups was > 300 mm Hg (224 to > 300 mm Hg) and 35 mm Hg (0 to 60 mm Hg), respectively. Five of 12 CVJs in the VSD group failed at pressures < 33 mm Hg. For UHs, median (range) bursting pressure of the LIG and VSD groups was 255 mm Hg (120 to > 300 mm Hg) and 154 mm Hg (range, 44 to 202 mm Hg), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The evaluated VSD was effective in sealing UHs at bursting pressures well in excess of expected physiologic pressures, indicating that the VSD may be useful for ovariectomy procedures in rabbits. However, CVJ seals created with the VSD were ineffective and could potentially burst at low pressures, which could predispose to urine entering the abdomen. Given these results, we do not recommend sealing of the CVJ with a VSD for ovariohysterectomy in rabbits.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

To compare the bursting strength of the uterine horns (UHs) and cervical-vestibule junction (CVJs) of rabbits following sealing with a vessel-sealing device (VSD) or encircling ligatures.

SAMPLE

UHs and CVJs collected from 30 rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) cadavers.

PROCEDURES

UHs and CVJs were randomly assigned to sealing with encircling Miller knot ligatures (LIG; n = 10 CVJs and 20 UHs) or a VSD (12 CVJs and 24 UHs). Lumens were infused with saline (0.9% NaCl) solution under pressure until seals burst or to a maximum pressure of 300 mm Hg.

RESULTS

For CVJs, median (range) bursting pressure of the LIG and VSD groups was > 300 mm Hg (224 to > 300 mm Hg) and 35 mm Hg (0 to 60 mm Hg), respectively. Five of 12 CVJs in the VSD group failed at pressures < 33 mm Hg. For UHs, median (range) bursting pressure of the LIG and VSD groups was 255 mm Hg (120 to > 300 mm Hg) and 154 mm Hg (range, 44 to 202 mm Hg), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The evaluated VSD was effective in sealing UHs at bursting pressures well in excess of expected physiologic pressures, indicating that the VSD may be useful for ovariectomy procedures in rabbits. However, CVJ seals created with the VSD were ineffective and could potentially burst at low pressures, which could predispose to urine entering the abdomen. Given these results, we do not recommend sealing of the CVJ with a VSD for ovariohysterectomy in rabbits.

Contributor Notes

Dr. McLean's present address is Southpaws Specialty Surgery for Animals, Moorabbin, VIC 3189, Australia.

Address correspondence to Dr. Ryan (stewart.ryan@unimelb.edu.au).
Cover American Journal of Veterinary Research
American Journal of Veterinary Research
Publication Date:
01 Sep 2020

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