Laparoscopic splenectomy in goats

To report laparoscopic splenectomy in goats.

Experimental study.

Healthy female goats (n=9); aged, 10-18 months; weighing, 22-30 kg.

Food was withheld for 24 hours and water for 10 hours. Anesthetized right laterally recumbent goats had a laparoscopic portal and 3 instrumental portals created in the left flank. Splenic attachments were dissected with monopolar electrocautery and blunt dissection through 2 instrument portals. Exposure and isolation of splenic vessels was performed with laparoscopic "right-angle" preparation forceps. Vessels were ligated with a medium-titanium clip and 2 silk sutures and then transected between the silk sutures. The detached spleen was manipulated into a specimen retrieval bag, morcellated, and the bag retrieved through an enlarged portal. Repeat laparoscopic examination was performed at 1 month.

Laparoscopic splenectomy required 70 minutes (range, 52-88 minutes) and was successful without major intraoperative and postoperative complications. Postoperatively, all goats had signs of mild abdominal discomfort. On repeat laparoscopy, with the exception of 1 goat that had a focal omental adhesion to the enlarged portal site, no other abnormalities were identified.

Laparoscopic splenectomy can be accomplished in goats using 4 portals in the left flank and a combination of monopolar cautery dissection of splenic attachments, ligation of vessels using metal clips and intracorporeal ligatures, and intra-abdominal morcellation of the detached spleen in a specimen retrieval bag.

Laparoscopic splenectomy is an effective and safe technique in goats.