Laparoscopic repair of urinary bladder ruptures in cattle

Information regarding laparoscopic repair of urinary bladder ruptures in cattle remains limited, and most previous studies are experimental. The aim of the present study was to report technical aspects, complications, healing rate and outcome of 15 cases of bovine laparoscopic cystorrhaphy after bladder rupture due to urethral obstruction. In all cases, urinary bladder rupture developed secondary to urethral obstruction. Following identification of the bladder defect, laparoscopic bladder repair was performed under general anesthesia using Schmieden and Cushing suture techniques. Normal urine flow was initially achieved in all animals after surgery. However, postoperative complications associated with recurrent urethral obstruction and urine leakage developed in some cases, requiring laparotomy. The findings indicated that the success of laparoscopic repair was influenced by rupture localization and the presence of intravesical uroliths. In conclusion, although postoperative complications and case selection remain important considerations, laparoscopic repair may represent a feasible minimally invasive option for selected cattle with bladder rupture, particularly when systemic condition, rupture location, and urinary flow restoration are carefully evaluated.