Self-ligating loop technique enables successful total lung lobectomy in cats.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Surgery
• Thoracic Surgery
• Feline Medicine

Background:

• Lung lobectomy is a critical surgical procedure for treating various feline respiratory conditions.
• The use of self-ligating loops for lung lobectomy in cats has not been extensively documented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of total lung lobectomy using a self-ligating loop technique in cats.
• To report the short- and long-term outcomes of this surgical procedure.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective case series was conducted on 13 cats undergoing total lung lobectomy with a self-ligating loop between January 2020 and February 2025.
• Data analyzed included signalment, clinical signs, surgical approach, complications, and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Fourteen lung lobectomies were performed across various surgical approaches. No major intraoperative complications were noted.
• Eleven cats survived hospital discharge with minor postoperative complications in three cases. Three cats experienced catastrophic complications leading to euthanasia.
• Seven cats survived long-term with no reported complications related to the lobectomy.

Conclusions:

• Total lung lobectomy with a self-ligating loop is a safe and effective surgical technique in cats.
• This method serves as a valuable alternative to thoracic staplers for feline lung lobectomy.