title: Comparison and description of transdiaphragmatic and abdominal minimally invasive cisterna chyli ablation in dogs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To develop, describe, and compare transdiaphragmatic (TD) and abdominal minimally invasive approaches to cisterna chyli (CC) ablation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Experimental study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Adult dogs (n = 18; weighing, 19.0 ± 0.9 kg).
  
  
  METHODS
  With dogs in sternal recumbency, laparoscopic camera and instrument portals were established entirely within the craniolateral aspect of the abdomen (AB) or in combination with a TD camera portal. A popliteal lymph node was injected with methylene blue to provide coloration of the CC in both groups. Once the CC was identified, laparoscopic forceps were used to tear and ablate the CC tissue. Ablation was confirmed by necropsy examination and observation of blue fluid leaking into the peritoneal cavity after injection of the ileocecocolic lymph nodes with methylene blue. After censor of the first 2 dogs in each group, the AB and TD techniques were compared using procedural time and visual analogue scale data of procedure ease, hemorrhage, triangulation efficiency, and adequacy of portal placement.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Successful CC ablation was achieved in 7 of the TD group and 5 of the AB group. Failure was because of an inability to identify the CC or tearing of the aorta. Other than a longer procedural time in the TD group, there were no statistical differences identified. Complications encountered during the procedures led to technical refinements.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Both TD and AB minimally invasive approaches can be used to achieve successful CC ablation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, 501 D. W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA 30602, USA. sakals@uga.edu
authors.forename: Sherisse
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sakals
authors.forename: Chad W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Schmiedt
authors.forename: MaryAnn G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Radlinsky
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D013897:Thoracic Duct / Q000601:surgery*; D013906:Thoracoscopy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D013997:Time Factors