Use of a bipolar vessel-sealing device in 27 canine limb amputations

Bipolar vessel-sealing devices (BVSD) have been used for muscle transection in canine limb amputations; however, a retrospective study of their use, and particularly the short-term complications, has not yet been reported.

To describe the use of a BVSD as the main method for muscle transection in canine limb amputations and to report the incidence of short-term incisional complications following these surgeries.

Medical records of dogs undergoing limb amputations using a BVSD from January 2017 to December 2018 were reviewed for demographics, preoperative findings, intraoperative complications, and short-term outcomes. Exclusion criteria included surgery and anesthesia time not recorded, or short-term postoperative follow-up data not available for review. Complications noted in the medical record up to the time of suture removal were included in the review.

A total of 27 cases met selection criteria, including amputations of 17 forelimbs and 10 pelvic limbs. There were no intraoperative complications noted. Median duration between surgery and suture removal was 13 d (range: 4 to 23 d). Seroma formation occurred in 1 case (3.7%), whereas convalescent surgical-site infections were identified in 3 cases (11%). All complications were documented in dogs weighing > 27 kg.

Use of a BVSD as the main method of muscle transection in canine limb amputations is a safe and feasible alternative to more traditional methods of limb amputation. Surgical-site infection and seroma formation were the only documented complications in the present study. The complication rate was similar to rates described previously; therefore, using a BVSD for muscle transection seems a viable alternative to traditional methods of limb amputation.

Given similar incisional complication rates when compared to more traditional methods of muscle transection, a BVSD may be considered for an alternative method of muscle transection in canine limb amputations.