Comparison of spermatic cord ligation and the vas plexus ligation in canine orchiectomy: A prospective clinical study

Orchiectomy with a vas deferens to pampiniform plexus ligation (VPL) is a novel method, and it is unclear how its short-term outcomes compare with the results of a conventional method, spermatic cord ligation (SCL).

To compare the short-term outcomes of SCL and VPL on inflammation, surgery time, bleeding, pain and surgeon satisfaction during canine open orchiectomy.

Thirty male crossbred dogs undergoing open orchiectomy were enrolled the study. Dogs were randomly allocated to one of the SCL or VPL groups, with 15 patients in each. In the SCL group, the spermatic cord was ligated using absorbable sutures. The vas deferens, and pampiniform plexus self-tying were performed in the VPL group. Surgery time, bleeding and surgeon satisfaction scores were recorded. Inflammation at the surgical site was assessed using infrared thermal camera over three days, and pain associated with inflammation was scored on the third day.

On Day 3, the average temperature in the SCL group was significantly higher than that of the VPL group, with a mean difference of 4.63°C (95% CI: 2.34-6.93, p < 0.001). Moreover, the surgery time in the VPL group was significantly longer compared to the SCL group, with a mean difference of 1.7 min (95% CI: 0.28-3.11, p = 0.021). The bleeding score was also significantly higher in the VPL group (p = 0.012). On the other hand, surgeon satisfaction and pain scores were not significantly different between groups.

Both SCL and VPL methods are safe and effective for orchiectomy in dogs. VPL is comparable in efficacy and safety and has the additional benefit of less inflammation.