Principal Investigator: Nicole Buote

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): 

Total Laparoscopic Castration (TLC) can be performed safely and effectively to prevent spermatogenesis and hormone production, but this technique is rarely performed and has not been reported on clinical patients in the Unites States. This study aims to compare surgical, postoperative, and hormonal outcomes between dogs castrated traditionally (TC) and those undergoing TLC during a laparoscopic gastropexy. The investigators hypothesize that TLC will reduce surgical times, decrease postoperative pain and complications, and reduce hormones in the patient effectively. Client-owned dogs (N=40) presenting for laparoscopic gastropexy will be included.

Patients will be randomly assigned to either TLC or TC. Castration procedures will follow laparoscopic gastropexy procedures and will be performed by a prescrotal closed technique if patient included in the TC group. TLC will be performed with bipolar sealing of the vascular pedicle (double seal) and vas deferens, followed by transection. Data collected will include procedure time, pre and postoperative testosterone levels, pre and postoperative C-Reactive protein levels, pain scores, and pre and postoperative testicular measurements. Intraoperative and postoperative complications will also be reported.

Laparoscopic gastropexies are one of the most commonly performed minimally invasive surgeries, therefor the addition of total laparoscopic castration could positively affect thousands of dogs a year. This project has the potential to impact not only specialty surgery but a much broader veterinary population as TLC could replace traditional open castration even in dogs not requiring gastropexy. Decreasing surgical times, intraoperative and postoperative pain and scrotal complications will improve patient outcomes and owner satisfaction.