Laparoscopic castration in dogs: Complications, outcomes and long-term follow-up

Summary The objectives of the randomized prospective study were to report short-term and long-term outcomes and complications associated with laparoscopic castration in a cohort of dogs; and to validate long-term suppression of testosterone. Two groups were formed: Laparoscopic (LC, n = 17) and Conventional (CC, n = 7) castration. LC was achieved using a two-port approach and a vessel sealing device to transect testicular blood supply and ductus deferens. For each group, postoperative pain was evaluated. Testosterone concentration was measured at day 1, 6 and 12 months postoperative. Testicular volume was assessed at day 1 and 5 and 6 months postoperative. No major intraoperative complication occurred. Postoperative testosterone concentration was decreased in all dogs and not different from CC group (P = 0.09). Testicular volume evolution was marked by an enlargement 5 days postoperatively in 75% of dogs (P = 0.007), followed by a significant reduction after 6 months (P = 0.007). There was no significant difference in pain scores between both procedures (P = 0.24). In conclusion, LC is a reliable technique to achieve testosterone suppression and neutering and deserves further studies including larger cohort and longer follow-up. It cannot be recommended over CC but it is an ideal procedure as adjunctive neutering during another laparoscopic procedure.