Thoracoscopic resection of right auricular masses in dogs: 9 cases (2003–2011)

Abstract

Right auricular masses were successfully removed in 8 dogs. Masses close to the base of the right atrial appendage may not be amenable to resection with thoracoscopy. Resection of small masses at the tip of the right auricular appendage can be performed thoracoscopically.

Facilitation of Soft Tissue Surgery

“…5 Indications for this stapling instrument include partial gastrectomy, pyloroplasy, typhlectomy, gastropexy, cholecystoenterostomy, prostatic cyst resection, lung lobectomy, liver lobectomy, esophageal and rectal diverticulum removal, and rectal polyp resection. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]26,27 Use of the stapler with these indications requires slight modifications in technique and should be reviewed before use.…”

Advances in Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery, Thoracoscopy

“…2,3,6,7 With presumed idiopathic cases, a complete pericardioscopic evaluation is necessary to reduce the chance of a missed diagnosis and a larger pericardectomy is indicated. 2,8 Because masses are common on the right auricle and heart base ( Fig.…”

“…6 One dog died during surgery from hemorrhage but eight Case dogs underwent successful resection of the atrial mass. Dogs with masses limited to the tip of the atrial appendage were considered to be good candidates for a VATS auricular resection.…”

“…1), the surgeon must have adequate experience and understanding of the pericardial anatomy before performing pericardoscopy, auriculectomy, or epicardial biopsy. 6,7 The combination of a pericardial window and pericardial fillet has recently been described. 9 The pericardial fillet facilitates exposure of most of the intrapericardiac anatomy without the need for subphrenic pericardectomy.…”

“…Dogs with masses limited to the tip of the atrial appendage were considered to be good candidates for a VATS auricular resection. 6 The benefits of performing appendage resection in conjunction with pericardectomy are to obtain histologic diagnosis and to reduce the risk of hemorrhage from atrial rupture. 6,7 CRANIAL MEDIASTINAL NEOPLASIA Cranial mediastinal neoplasia is uncommon in dogs and cats.…”