Sutureless Laparoscopic Ovariectomy in Small Dogs Using Two 3-mm Portal Sites

Two-port laparoscopic ovariectomy (Lap-OVE) has been performed in small dogs, using 3-mm and 5-mm portal sites, and is associated with reduced surgical stress and postoperative pain. However, extension of the incision is often needed to extract the ovaries. In this study, we aimed to minimize invasiveness by using smaller-sized cannulas as well as a novel technique for ovary extraction. Lap-OVE was performed on six, healthy female dogs (range, 3 to 7.2 kg) using two 3-mm midline portals. The middle finger of a size M nitrile glove was cut at its base and sterilized preoperatively. The ovary was suspended at the body wall using a 1-0 blue nylon needle, and the ovarian pedicle and ligaments were transected using a 3-mm bipolar forceps. To facilitate the glove passing through the 3.9-mm port, it was turned inside out to expose the smooth inner surface, before being inserted into the abdominal cavity with an applicator. Both ovaries were placed inside, and the mouth of the glove was exteriorized through the port with a laparoscopic grasping forceps. The ovaries were morcellated inside the glove, using Adison-Brown tissue forceps and iris scissors, which enabled safe extraction without incision enlargement. Median incision lengths were 4.3 mm (3.5-mm cranial cannula) and 4.8 mm (3.9-mm caudal cannula). An advantage of this procedure was that there was no need for skin sutures. In conclusion, using our novel technique, sutureless Lap-OVE was possible in small dogs using two 3-mm portal sites without additional incision.