Feasibility of laparoscopic stapled partial cystectomy in canine cadavers

To describe a technique for laparoscopic partial cystectomy and evaluate sealing of canine urinary bladder tissue with an endoscopic stapler.

Prospective, cadaveric study.

Eleven canine cadavers.

Laparoscopic partial cystectomy was performed with an endoscopic gastrointestinal anastomosis (GIA) stapler. Leak testing and urodynamic evaluation was performed to measure intravesical pressure at initial leakage and catastrophic failure or the maximum pressure at which intravesical pressure plateaued. Surgical time, complications, and site of leakage were also recorded.

Laparoscopic partial cystectomy was successfully performed in 10 of 11 cadavers. Median procedure time was 13.6 min (10.1-15.2 min). Median intravesical pressure at initial leakage was 31 mmHg (28-56 mmHg) with a median increase from initial pressure of 15 mmHg (11-37 mmHg). No catastrophic failure of the cystectomy site was observed during leak testing. Intravesical pressure plateaued at a median of 52 mmHg (39-73 mmHg), which was a median of 13 mmHg (8-23 mmHg) higher than intravesical pressure at initial leakage. The median total volume infused at the time of plateau of intravesical pressure was 89 mL (58-133 mL).

Laparoscopic stapled partial cystectomy was feasible in canine cadavers. Endoscopic GIA staplers appear to seal the canine urinary bladder with minimal leakage.

Use of an endoscopic GIA stapler may provide a minimally invasive option for partial cystectomy in dogs. Further evaluation for application to clinical cases is warranted.