Comparison of intra− and postoperative variables between laparoscopic and open ovariectomy in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To compare intraoperative and short-term postoperative variables pertaining to laparoscopic ovariectomy (LapOVE) and open ovariectomy (OVE) in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). ANIMALS Twelve 4− to 5-month-old female New Zealand White rabbits. PROCEDURES Rabbits were randomly assigned to undergo LapOVE (n = 6) or OVE (6), with a vessel-sealing device used to seal and transect the ovarian pedicles. Laparoscopic ovariectomy was performed with a 3-port approach. Variables were measured during surgery (surgery and anesthesia times and incision lengths) and for up to 7 days after surgery (food consumption, feces production, body weight, vital parameters, blood glucose and cortisol concentrations, abdominal palpation findings, facial grimace scale scores, and ethograms). RESULTS Mean surgery (43.2 vs 21.7 minutes) and anesthesia (76.2 vs 48.8 minutes) times were longer and mean incision length was shorter (24.0 vs 41.5 mm) for LapOVE versus OVE. No significant differences in postoperative variables were identified between groups. During LapOVE, small intestinal perforation occurred in 1 rabbit, which was then euthanized. Postoperative complications for the remaining rabbits included superficial incisional dehiscence (LapOVE, 1/5; OVE, 2/6), subcutaneous emphysema (LapOVE, 1/5; OVE, 0/6), and seroma formation (LapOVE, 1/5; OVE, 0/6). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Surgery time for LapOVE was twice that of OVE, and LapOVE resulted in unique complications in rabbits. No evidence of a reduction in pain or faster return to baseline physiologic status was found for LapOVE. Further evaluation of LapOVE in rabbits is warranted, with modification to techniques used in this study or a larger sample size.

Effect of pneumoperitoneum on gastrointestinal motility, pain behaviors, and stress biomarkers in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus)

“…27 In rabbits undergoing laparoscopic or open ovariectomy, the number and weight of feces produced and weight of food consumed postoperatively were not significantly different. 28 However, those in the open ovariectomy group spent more time eating, but not significantly so. 28 A recent study 29 in guinea pigs found that the time from anesthesia until the start of defecation and spontaneous feeding were longer in the pneumoperitoneum group in comparison to the anesthesia group.…”

“…28 However, those in the open ovariectomy group spent more time eating, but not significantly so. 28 A recent study 29 in guinea pigs found that the time from anesthesia until the start of defecation and spontaneous feeding were longer in the pneumoperitoneum group in comparison to the anesthesia group. However, these changes were only seen when the procedure was carried out for ≥60 minutes.…”

“…The blood glucose concentration as measured by glucometer was found not to be significantly different in rabbits undergoing laparoscopic or open ovariectomy. 28 Likewise, no significant differences were found in glucose concentration between dogs undergoing laparoscopic versus open ovariohysterectomy 32 or in cats undergoing laparoscopic-assisted ovariectomy versus open ovariohysterectomy. 33 In contrast, another study 4 in dogs found significantly increased blood glucose levels at 2, 4, and 6 hours postoperatively in the open surgery group but not the laparoscopic-assisted group.…”

“…In rabbits undergoing open or laparoscopic ovariectomy, every postoperative blood cortisol value except 1 was below the quantification for the assay, preventing it from being used to compare the groups. 28 In the present study, it was elected to measure fecal rather than blood cortisol. Obtaining sufficient volumes of blood to measure cortisol in guinea pigs would require prolonged restraint or anesthesia, both of which can induce stress.…”

“…Interestingly, the laparoscopic group had a nonsignificant increase in abdominal pressing and inactive pain composite behaviors. 28 This may indicate pneumoperitoneum can be a source of mild pain. In contrast, our study did not show that a short period of pneumoperitoneum was a significant source of pain in guinea pigs.…”