Comparative surgical treatment of elongated soft palate in brachycephalic dogs using the ultrasonic scalpel and the conventional incisional techniques

Abstract

Brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome (BAOS) is life threatening condition in brachycephalic dogs. Surgical correction of primary disorders including elongated soft palate and stenotic nares is indicated in all cases. Aim of this study was to compare the use of the ultrasonic scalpel with the conventional incision technique for staphylectomy. Twenty dogs with BAOS enrolled in this study were randomly assigned into conventional (N=10) or ultrasonic group (N=10). Respiratory score was evaluated and recorded prior to surgery. Staphylectomy time and bleeding were recorded. Respiratory, postoperative complication and pain scores were evaluated and recorded at days 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 after surgery. The excised soft palate from all dogs were histopathologically evaluated. Two weeks after surgery, soft palate biopsies were performed in 7 dogs of the conventional group and 8 dogs of the ultrasonic group. The surgical time of the ultrasonic group was significantly (p<0.01) shorter than that of the conventional group. The bleeding volume in the conventional group was significantly (p<0.05) more than that of the ultrasonic group. The respiratory scores at days 3 and 28 postoperation of the ultrasonic group were significantly (p<0.05) lower than those of the conventional group. Complication and pain scores were not significantly different between groups. Preoperative and postoperative inflammatory scores were not significantly different between groups. The epithelialization score of the ultrasonic group was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that of the conventional group. In conclusion, staphylectomy using ultrasonic scalpel provided less surgical time, no bleeding, improved respiratory signs, and insignificantly postoperative complications when compared with the conventional incision technique.