Laparoscopic cholecystectomy under field conditions in Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) rescued from illegal bile farming in Vietnam

Abstract

Nine adult Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) previously rescued from illegal bile farming in Vietnam were examined via abdominal ultrasound and exploratory laparoscopy for liver and gall bladder pathology. Three bears demonstrated notable gall bladder pathology, and minimally invasive cholecystectomies were performed using an open laparoscopic access approach, standard 10 to 12 mmHg carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum and a four-port technique. A single bear required insertion of an additional 5 mm port and use of a flexible liver retractor due to the presence of extensive adhesions between the gall bladder and quadrate and left and right medial liver lobes. The cystic duct was dissected free and this and the cystic artery were ligated by means of extracorporeal tied Meltzer knot sutures. The gall bladder was dissected free of the liver by blunt and sharp dissection, aided by 3.8 MHz monopolar radiosurgery. Bears that have had open abdominal cholecystectomies are reported as taking four to six weeks before a return to normal activity postoperatively. In contrast, these bears demonstrated rapid unremarkable healing, and were allowed unrestricted access to outside enclosures to climb trees, swim and interact normally with other bears within seven days of surgery.

Laparoscopic Evaluation of the Reproductive Tract in Two Female Polar Bears (Three Procedures) (Ursus maritimus)

“…Laparoscopy has been reported in the North American black bear and Asiatic black bear [5,19,20], but to our knowledge, this report is the first account of laparoscopy in the polar bear. The anatomy of the polar bear ovary is not well described in the literature.…”

“…In many instances, laparoscopic surgery may offer superior visibility and access to the abdominal cavity. In the most recent report of laparoscopy in bears, Pizzi et al described laparoscopic cholecystectomy in nine Asiatic black bears [19]. Their technique was similar with regard to the location of the telescope portal; however, bears were positioned in dorsal recumbency, surgeons operated from a position between the hind legs, and instrument portals were located cranial in order to access the liver and gall bladder.…”

Echinococcus multilocularis Detection in Live Eurasian Beavers (Castor fiber) Using a Combination of Laparoscopy and Abdominal Ultrasound under Field Conditions

“…Laparoscopy also provides magnified visualisation of organs, particularly in parts of the abdomen difficult to visualize in open surgery. When performed by an experienced surgeon the abdominal organs can be better and more thoroughly examined than with open abdominal surgery [ 50 , 51 ]. Abdominal surgery in free-ranging wild animals carries a well reported risk of serious complications and death in individuals, greater than that in domestic animals [ 52 , 53 , 54 ].…”

Laparoscopic repair of an umbilical hernia in a Western chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) rescued in Sierra Leone

“…Laparoscopic surgery in wildlife species holds numerous advantages. These include rapid recovery, limited post‐operative pain, low risk of infection and low rates of dehiscence . It is particularly beneficial in intelligent dextrous primate species, such as chimpanzees, that may interfere with surgical wounds .…”