Surgical Correction of Canine Brachycephalic Syndrome Including Resection of Elongated Soft Palate and Everted Laryngeal Saccules Using Harmonic Scalpel: A Retrospective Study of 21 Cases

Abstract

The current, retrospective study aimed to assess the short-term prog nosis and postoperative complications associated with the surgical correction ofelongated soft palate using harmonic scalpel and to compare the postoperativecomplications associated with the application of harmonic scalpel and tradition al surgery using Metzenbaum scissors. Harmonic scalpel was used to performstaphylectomy in 21 dogs. A total of ten dogs underwent sacculectomy; six dogswith harmonic scalpel and four dogs using Metzenbaum scissors. Stenotic nareswere corrected by wedge resection. Postoperative complications were recordedthrough monitoring and radiographic examinations. Telephone interviews wereconducted on the first, third, and seventh day after discharge and continueduntil the resolution of postoperative complications. Postoperative edema at thesurgical site was identified and mitigated within a day or two. Snoring and dys pnea improved dramatically in the group that underwent staphylectomy alone. Moreover, three dogs presented with postoperative gastrointestinal complica tions, especially retching. The symptoms persisted for seven days and ten daysin two dogs that underwent sacculectomy with harmonic scalpel and for twodays in one dog that underwent sacculectomy with Metzenbaum scissors. Theclinical signs and symptoms of brachycephalic syndrome disappeared withoutrecurrence. Harmonic scalpel provides a hemostatic effect during staphylecto my, is convenient, and does not cause postoperative complications. Conversely,the use of harmonic scalpel during sacculectomy necessitated a longer periodfor the resolution of complications without any significant hemostatic efficacy,compared to traditional surgery.