title: Outcome following liver lobectomy using thoracoabdominal staplers in cats.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To present outcomes and complications following liver lobectomy using thoracoabdominal staplers in cats, to identify factors associated with survival time and to confirm safety and feasibility.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective analysis of case records (n=18) of cats that underwent liver lobectomy with a thoracoabdominal stapler.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fourteen of the 18 cats (78%) survived to discharge. Median survival time was 136·5 days. On log-rank univariate analysis, preoperative abdominal fluid (P=0·002), preoperative anaemia (P=0·03) and perioperative transfusion (P=0·01) were associated with decreased survival time. Perioperative anaemia was common (89%), and rate of transfusion during hospitalisation was 61%. Clinical signs of illness, azotaemia, elevated liver enzyme activities and malignant neoplasia did not appear to impact survival; however, anaemia, abdominal fluid and transfusion may be associated with decreased survival time.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Liver lobectomy using thoracoabdominal staplers was effective in removal of hepatic lesions and all cats survived surgery. Outcome was negatively associated with preoperative abdominal fluid (haemorrhagic and non-haemorrhagic), preoperative anaemia or perioperative transfusion. Surgeons should be prepared to employ ancillary methods of haemostasis to augment the staple line, and need for blood transfusion should be anticipated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Animal Medical Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Pavia
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kovak-McClaran
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lamb
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D002415:Cats / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006498:Hepatectomy / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013528:Surgical Staplers / Q000662:veterinary*; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome