Intra-abdominal resection of the umbilical vein and urachus of bovine fetuses using videolaparoscopy and celiotomy: surgical time and feasibility (cadaveric study)

Abstract

25Surgical intervention for umbilical diseases in calves, when indicated, is a 26 complementary and indispensable therapeutic resource for the treatment of umbilical 27 conditions and is commonly performed using celiotomy. However, videolaparoscopy has 28 demonstrated feasibility in many diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The aim of this study 29 was to assess the feasibility of the techniques and the surgical time of videolaparoscopy and 30 celiotomy used in intra-abdominal resection of the umbilical vein and urachus of bovine 31 fetuses (cadavers). Resection of the umbilical vein and urachus using videolaparoscopy and 32 celiotomy was performed in 26 anatomical specimens (bovine fetuses obtained from an 33 official slaughterhouse). Resection of umbilical structures was feasible with both techniques, 34 but shorter surgical time and minimal tissue damage were achieved using videolaparoscopy. 35 Laparoscopy requires specialized training and appropriate instruments and is an important 36 tool for diagnostic and therapeutic exploration of the umbilical structures, liver, bladder, and 37 associated/adjacent structures.

A Single-Port, Multiple-Access, Custom-Made Device Used in Laparoscopically Assisted Cryptorchidectomy in Standing Horses—A Preliminary Study

“…The device was initially evaluated in bovine fetal cadavers as it had never been used or tested on live animals. Preliminary testing of equipment and surgical techniques on cadavers is essential to improve procedures and prototypes, as well as to obtain technical skills and equipment use [13][14][15][16].…”

Laparoscopy assisted abomasal cannulation in cadavers of bovine fetuses

“…The use of bovine fetal cadavers as an experimental model has already been described in other studies [ 9 ], as it facilitates training and adaptations of the technique without causing animal suffering or euthanasia [ 10 ]. Although the technique of abomasal cannulation by laparotomy has been described in live (animals) calves [ 2 ], the technique of the present study may prove to be a viable option for minimally invasive abomasal cannulation in live animals.…”

“…Other clinical applications that can be tested are: biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of abomasal lymphosarcoma, therapy of perforating abomasal ulcers and recurrent abomasal impaction.The lateral approach from the right flank with the establishment of access portals were efficient, favoring the intracavitary handling [ 17 ]. Difficulties in manipulating the laparoscope and instruments were reported [ 5 ], but with an adequate planning for surgical accesses, a good visualization of the internal structures and their easy manipulation are achieved [ 9 ]. The establishment of laparoscopic portals on the right flank was chosen based on the topographical location of the abomasum, since access to the organ could be difficult from the left flank [ 18 ].…”

“…The use of fetal cadavers from slaughtered cows is an important alternative method for refining research and obtaining skills and competences related to the development of a new surgical technique [ 9 , 10 ]. The application of endosurgery in the cannulation of the abomasum must take into account that newborn calves have rumen reticulum and omasum in a rudimentary state, with intense enzymatic activity in the abomasum and intestine that shelter them to function as pseudo-monogastric animals [ 11 ].…”

“…Another minimally invasive rumenostomy technique was efficient in sheep [ 15 ]. The laparoscopy was feasible for surgical resection of the umbilical vein and urachus of bovine fetuses in a previous study [ 9 ]. In this sense, minimally invasive procedures becomes increasingly relevant from the point of view of ethics in experimentation and animal welfare, as it allows for better postoperative and cosmetic results for the patient [ 13 , 15 ].…”