Laparoscopic correction of experimentally induced diaphragmatic rupture in dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the dog as a model for studying laparoscopic correction of experimental diaphragmatic ruptures.


METHODS
Five male dogs were used in this study. Under laparoscopic approach, a defect of 7 cm was created on the left ventral insertion of the diaphragm. Fourteen days after this procedure, the abdomen was explored using laparoscopic access and the diaphragmatic defect was corrected with intracorporeal suture. The dislocated organs, surgical time, and suturing time were recorded. Analgesia and clinical condition were monitored during the postoperative period.


RESULTS
All animals recovered well from the diaphragmatic rupture creation. After 14 days, abdominal organs (liver, spleen, omentum and/or intestine) were found inside the thoracic cavity in all animals. It was possible to reposition the organs and suture the defect by laparoscopic access in three animals. These animals showed excellent postoperative recovery. It was not possible to reposition the liver safely when it was friable.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic creation of diaphragmatic rupture in dogs is feasible. Dogs are a good model for training and studying the correction of experimentally created diaphragmatic rupture by the laparoscopic approach. A friable liver is a complicating factor that should be taken into account. Animals submitted to laparoscopic correction showed excellent postoperative recovery.
Universidade Estadual do Rio de Janeiro, BR.
Diogo Benchimol de
DB
Souza
Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, BR.
Carlos Magno Anselmo
CM
Mariano
Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, BR.
Paulo Sérgio Cruz de
PS
Andrade
Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, BR.
Gabriela Correa
GC
Coelho
UENF, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, BR.
Edmundo Jorge
EJ
Abílio
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004285:Dogs; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006549:Hernia, Diaphragmatic, Traumatic / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D011184:Postoperative Period; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012421:Rupture / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome