Use of a vessel-sealing device versus conventional hemostatic techniques in dogs undergoing thyroidectomy because of suspected thyroid carcinoma

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To compare use of a vessel-sealing device (VSD) versus conventional hemostatic techniques in dogs undergoing thyroidectomy because of suspected thyroid carcinoma. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. ANIMALS 42 client-owned dogs undergoing thyroidectomy because of suspected thyroid carcinoma. PROCEDURES Medical records of dogs treated at 4 referral centers from 2010 through 2016 were reviewed, and information was obtained on patient signalment, surgical technique, tumor-specific factors, and operative duration. Postoperative hospitalization time and complications were compared between dogs grouped on the basis of hemostatic technique. RESULTS Thyroidectomy was performed with a VSD in 23 dogs and with conventional hemostatic techniques (ie, ligatures, hemoclips, or electrocautery) in 19 dogs. Hemostatic technique (ie, use of a VSD vs conventional hemostatic techniques) was the only factor significantly associated with operative duration (median time, 28 vs 41 minutes). Postoperative hospitalization times and complication rates did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that use of a VSD, rather than conventional hemostatic techniques, in dogs undergoing thyroidectomy because of suspected thyroid carcinoma resulted in shorter operative times without significantly affecting complication rates or postoperative hospitalization times.

Thyroidectomy in dogs with thyroid tumors: Survival analysis in 144 cases (1994‐2018)

“…44 In veterinary medicine, their use is associated with a reduction in surgery time but does not seem to influence the complication rate and postsurgical hospitalization time. 45 None of the remaining risk factors assessed in this investigation, including sex, neutering, breed, presurgical T4 concentration, thyroid lobe involvement, type of surgery, additional surgery performed, thyroid tumor size, local invasiveness, postsurgical levothyroxine calcitriol and calcium supplementation, and institution where surgery was performed, were associated with survival.…”

“…LigaSure, seems to generate less thermal damage to the treated tissues 44 . In veterinary medicine, their use is associated with a reduction in surgery time but does not seem to influence the complication rate and postsurgical hospitalization time 45 …”