Complications and outcomes of 25 dogs undergoing surgery for intramural ureteral ectopia via a minimally invasive modified cystoscopic-guided scissor transection

Abstract

Objectives

Ureteral ectopia is a common cause of urinary incontinence in juvenile dogs that is commonly treated with cystoscopic-guided laser ablation due to reduced post-operative pain and hospitalisation time compared with open surgical techniques. However, due to the surgical training and substantial costs relating to laser equipment, this may not always be feasible. This aim of this study was to describe a novel, modified surgical technique for cystoscopic-guided scissor transection of intramural ureteral ectopia detailing the complications and outcomes in dogs.

Materials and Methods

Single-centre retrospective study. Medical records were searched for female dogs treated for ureteral ectopia by cystoscopic-guided scissor transection between 2010 and 2022. Outcome was based on owner questionnaire and dogs were assigned a continence score pre- and post-operatively based on a 5-point scoring system. Descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to analyse the data.

Results

Twenty-five dogs met the inclusion criteria. Median surgical time was 42.5 minutes (20 to 120 minutes) and there were no intraoperative complications. Of the 25 dogs, three (12%) had major complications and two (8%) had minor complications. Of the 18 dogs available for follow-up, 66% of dogs were continent with surgery alone and all dogs' continence scores improved following surgery. Median continence score pre-operatively was 1/5 and post-operatively was 5/5. Surgery had a significant improvement in continence scores when comparing pre- and post-operative values.

Clinical Significance

Cystoscopic-guided scissor transection of intramural ectopic ureters significantly improved continence scores with low complication rates. This method is a successful alternative to the laser alternative.