USE OF LAPAROSCOPIC TECHNIQUES IN ONCOLOGIC RIGHT COLECTOMY IN A CANINE MODEL

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of laparoscopic oncologic right colectomy (RC) with intraperitoneal il eocolic anastomosis (ICA) in a canine model. Methods: In 21 dogs a lap aroscopic RC with transection of the main right colic artery and remov al of adjacent lymph nodes (LN) was carried out using an Nd:YAG contac t laser and endoscopic stapler. Two weeks after surgery, all animals w ere killed. The number of remaining right colon mesenteric LN, length of remaining right colic artery, bursting pressure (BP) of ICA, and po stoperative morbidity were evaluated. Results: No major intraoperative complications were recorded. One dog died of pneumonia and heartworms . There were no postoperative septic or anastomotic complications. All dogs passed feces within the first 24 h postoperatively. Median opera tive time was 135 min (range 105-180 min). Length of remaining right c olic artery after oncologic resection was 4.5 mm (range 3-7 mm), the n umber of remaining LN was 0, and the median anastomotic BP was 232 mm Hg (range 132-312 mm Hg). Conclusion: Oncologic resection of the right colon with high vascular ligation, wide mesenteric clearance of LN, a nd intraperitoneal anastomosis is feasible and safe in a canine model.