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

To report the outcome of total lung lobectomy with self-ligating loop in cats.

This was a retrospective case series of cats that underwent total lung lobectomy with self-ligating loop between January 2020 and February 2025. Data regarding signalment, history, physical examination, diagnostics, surgical approach, lung lobe affected, hospitalization length, intraoperative/postoperative complications, and short- and long-term outcomes were analyzed.

13 cats were included: 9 domestic shorthair, 2 domestic longhair, 1 Maine Coon, and 1 Burmese. Clinical signs included respiratory distress (4 of 13), lethargy (4 of 13), cough (3 of 13), hyporexia (3 of 13), dyspnea (2 of 13), vomiting (2 of 13), and pyrexia (1 of 13). Six cats suffered from more than 1 clinical sign.

A total of 14 lung lobectomies were performed via either right (n = 2) or left (5) intercostal thoracotomy, median sternotomy (4), or video-assisted thoracic surgery (2). No major intraoperative complications occurred. Temporary hypoxemia was recorded during a video-assisted thoracic surgery procedure in 1 case and resolved with thoracic lift. Eleven cats survived hospital discharge. Minor postoperative complications (wound inflammation, vomiting, hyperthermia) occurred in 3 cats, while major postoperative complications (pleural effusion, intrathoracic infection) occurred in 3 cats. No revision surgery was necessary in any case. Three cats underwent humane euthanasia due to a sudden deterioration secondary to the underlying disease in the immediate postoperative period (catastrophic complication). On long-term follow-up, 7 cats were alive and no long-term complications related to the lobectomy were reported.

Lung lobectomy with self-ligating loop provides a safe technique for total lung lobectomy and can be considered as an alternative when thoracic stapler is not available in cats.