Surgical technique, complications and follow-up of laparoscopic treatment of prostatic cysts in dogs: 12 cases (2017-2022).

Abstract

Objective: To describe the surgical technique, associated complications and 12-month outcomes in dogs that underwent laparoscopic treatment of prostatic cysts.

Materials and methods: The medical records of dogs with prostatic cysts that were managed laparoscopically between 2017 and 2022 at two referral institutions were retrospectively reviewed. Intra- and post-operative complications were evaluated, and patients were required to have a minimum follow-up of 12 months for inclusion in the study.

Results: Twelve client-owned dogs met the inclusion criteria. A three- or four-port technique was used depending on the surgeon's preference. Following deroofing of the prostatic cyst, urethral integrity was assessed intraoperatively. The cystic cavity was inspected for leakage while injecting saline into the distal urethra, confirming the absence of communication between the urethra and the prostatic cyst. The omentum was anchored to the prostatic body using either simple interrupted sutures or haemostatic clips, with the latter method considered subjectively more challenging by the authors. No major intra- or post-operative complications were reported. Minor intraoperative complications occurred in three of 12 patients, consisting of self-limiting haemorrhage. Minor post-operative complications included one case of transient urinary tenesmus, which resolved within 24 hours, and mild haematuria in one dog, which lasted for 3 days. No recurrence of the prostatic cysts was observed over the 12-month follow-up period.

Clinical significance: Laparoscopic excision with omentalisation is a feasible, effective and safe therapeutic approach for prostatic cysts in dogs confirmed to lack a communication between the prostatic cyst and the urethra.