Laparoscopic peritoneopericardial herniorrhaphy in 2 dogs.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Techniques
• Canine Surgery

Background:

• Peritoneopericardial hernias (PPDH) are congenital defects that can lead to serious complications in dogs.
• Surgical intervention is often necessary for PPDH repair.
• Laparoscopic techniques offer potential advantages over traditional open surgery.

Observation:

• Two cases of canine PPDH were treated using a laparoscopic approach.
• Organs herniated into the pericardial sac included the gallbladder, liver lobes, and omental fat.
• Surgical repair involved dissection, reduction of herniated contents, and closure of the diaphragmatic defect.

Findings:

• Laparoscopic PPDH repair was successfully achieved in both cases without conversion to open surgery.
• Two distinct closure techniques were employed: 2-layer horizontal mattress with polyester and single-layer simple continuous with barbed polyglyconate.
• Transient, moderate to severe systemic hypotension occurred but resolved rapidly with decreased insufflation pressure.

Implications:

• Laparoscopic surgery is a viable option for treating canine peritoneopericardial hernias.
• Careful management of intra-abdominal pressure is crucial to mitigate intraoperative hypotension.
• Successful laparoscopic repair leads to good long-term clinical outcomes in affected dogs.