Objective: To describe the use of the T'LIFT transabdominal organ retraction device to suspend ovaries during canine laparoscopic ovariectomy (LapOVE) and compare its use to a transabdominal suspension suture (TSS).
Design: Randomized clinical trial.
Animals: Client-owned intact bitches (n = 30).
Methods: Dogs were randomly assigned either to group T, in which LapOVE was performed with the T'LIFT, or to group S, in which a TSS was used. Laparoscopic ovariectomy was performed by using a standard two-portal protocol. Signalment (age, weight, body condition score [BCS], fat score of the ovarian pedicle [FSOP]), overall operative time, ovarian resection time, and perioperative complications were compared between groups.
Results: No significant differences were found between groups regarding age, weight, BCS, or FSOP. Surgical times were not significantly different between groups. No significant differences in major or minor complications were recorded. Overall operative time was significantly shorter for the last half of the cases compared with the first half, for the overall population, and within each group. Ovarian resection time for the last cases was significantly shorter compared with that for the first ones only in group T.
Conclusion: The T'LIFT was used to suspend ovaries for two-portal LapOVE, with no major complications noted. There was no significant difference in surgical times or complications compared with transabdominal suturing.
Clinical significance: The T'LIFT can be considered as an alternative to transabdominal suture for ovarian suspension in dogs undergoing LapOVE.
© 2020 American College of Veterinary Surgeons.