Clinical outcomes of laparoscopic hepatectomy using en bloc hilar pedicle control in dogs with hepatic masses

OBJECTIVE: To describe the surgical techniques and evaluate outcomes of laparoscopic hepatectomy using en bloc hilar pedicle control (EHPC) in dogs with hepatic masses. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: A total of 10 client-owned dogs. METHODS: Dogs with hepatic masses not involving the hilar pedicle (portal vein, hepatic artery, and bile duct), hepatic veins at the hilus, and caudal vena cava (CVC) underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy using EHPC. Data on signalment, blood tests, imaging, intraoperative findings, histopathology, and clinical outcomes were collected. RESULTS: Masses were located in the right lateral, right medial, left medial, and left lateral lobes, or the caudate process of the caudate lobe. All dogs completed laparoscopic hepatectomy without conversion to laparotomy. Median operation time was 165 min (range: 90-230 min). Histopathology revealed hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 9) and adenoma (n = 1) and nodular hyperplasia (n = 2). Median hospital stay was 3 days (range: 2-4 days). One dog developed tension pneumothorax from an iatrogenic diaphragmatic injury, and three were diagnosed with bradycardia and hypotension following the Pringle maneuver. Disseminated hepatocellular carcinoma lesions were detected on the greater omentum in one dog 724 days post-surgery. All dogs were discharged. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic hepatectomy using EHPC was safely performed in dogs with liver masses, with favorable short- and long-term outcomes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Laparoscopic hepatectomy using EHPC is a viable option for dogs with liver masses, provided there is no involvement of the hilar pedicle, hepatic veins at the hilus, and CVC.