Use of an electrothermal, feedback-controlled, bipolar sealing device for resection of the elongated portion of the soft palate in dogs with obstructive upper airway disease

J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2008 Oct 15;233(8):1265-9. doi: 10.2460/javma.233.8.1265.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate efficacy and safety of using an electrothermal, feedback-controlled, bipolar sealing device (BSD) for resection of the elongated portion of the soft palate in brachycephalic dogs with upper airway obstruction.

Design: Uncontrolled clinical trial.

Animals: 24 brachycephalic dogs with airway obstruction and elongated soft palate.

Procedures: In all dogs, the excess portion of the soft palate was resected with a BSD. A score for severity of clinical signs of respiratory tract obstruction was assigned before surgery, during the first 24 hours after surgery, and at the time of final follow-up 12 to 23 months after surgery. Potential scores ranged from 0 (no clinical signs even with moderate to vigorous activity) to 4 (agonal breathing or severe cyanosis).

Results: None of the dogs died or developed life-threatening complications after surgery. Clinical scores after surgery (mean +/- SD, 0.3 +/- 0.6) and at the time of final follow-up (0.9 + 0.5) were significantly lower than preoperative scores (2.6 +/- 0.8).

Conclusions and clinical relevance: Results indicated that a BSD can be safely used for resection of the elongated portion of the soft palate in brachycephalic dogs with upper airway obstruction.

MeSH terms

  • Airway Obstruction / surgery
  • Airway Obstruction / veterinary*
  • Animals
  • Constriction, Pathologic / surgery
  • Constriction, Pathologic / veterinary*
  • Dog Diseases / surgery*
  • Dogs
  • Electrosurgery / methods
  • Electrosurgery / veterinary*
  • Female
  • Male
  • Palate, Soft / abnormalities*
  • Palate, Soft / pathology
  • Palate, Soft / surgery*
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / veterinary
  • Treatment Outcome