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

Abstract

Soft palate resection and tonsillectomy with a BVSD led to significant improvement in clinical respiratory score.

In this issue – December 2015

“…Two surgical papers from the same group give detailed descriptions so that their techniques can be reproduced . One reports a series of cases to assess the use of a bipolar vessel sealing device (BVSD) to resect the soft palate and perform tonsillectomy in dogs with clinical signs of upper respiratory obstruction related to a brachiocephalic facial structure . A variety of surgical methods have been described to reduce resistance to airflow, to improve oxygen saturation and decrease arterial carbon dioxide levels.…”

“…3,4 One reports a series of cases to assess the use of a bipolar vessel sealing device (BVSD) to resect the soft palate and perform tonsillectomy in dogs with clinical signs of upper respiratory obstruction related to a brachiocephalic facial structure. 3 A variety of surgical methods have been described to reduce resistance to airflow, to improve oxygen saturation and decrease arterial carbon dioxide levels. This series reports the outcome of treatment in 22 dogs, with photographs of the surgical technique and the instruments.…”

Biomechanical properties of canine staphylectomies closed with barbed or smooth suture

“…[1][2][3] Methods for performing staphylectomy include resection with scissors, carbon dioxide laser, harmonic scalpel, or an electrothermal, feedback-controlled, bipolar vessel sealing device. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10] After resection with scissors, 3-0 or 4-0 monofilament absorbable suture is traditionally used to appose the oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal mucosal surfaces of the cut edge of the soft palate. [1][2][3]6 Morphologic abnormalities of the soft palate of brachycephalic dogs include thickened superficial epithelium, extensive connective tissue edema, and mucous gland hyperplasia.…”

“…Temporary tracheostomy may be required to bypass obstructive pharyngeal tissues or facilitate mechanical ventilation. [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] Although complications are not more likely with any one procedure, longer surgical times have been associated with the requirement for temporary tracheostomy. 19 In addition, excessive handling, inaccurate apposition, or ischemia of tissues may contribute to postoperative edema, fibrosis, and poor outcomes.…”

“…Staphylectomy is commonly performed to treat elongated soft palate, a component of brachycephalic syndrome in dogs 1‐3 . Methods for performing staphylectomy include resection with scissors, carbon dioxide laser, harmonic scalpel, or an electrothermal, feedback‐controlled, bipolar vessel sealing device 4‐10 . After resection with scissors, 3‐0 or 4‐0 monofilament absorbable suture is traditionally used to appose the oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal mucosal surfaces of the cut edge of the soft palate 1‐3,6 …”