Laparoscopic typhlectomy in a dog with a gastrointestinal stromal tumor

OBJECTIVE: To describe the surgical technique, perioperative course, and outcome of laparoscopic typhlectomy (LT) in a dog with an isolated cecal mass. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. ANIMALS: A 12-year-old male Labrador retriever. METHODS: A dog presented with a 3 week history of gastrointestinal signs and weight loss. Advanced imaging identified a 1.7 cm cecal mass without evidence of lymphadenopathy or metastasis. A four-portal laparoscopic approach was used. The ileocecal fold was dissected using ultrasonic and monopolar energy devices, and the cecum was resected with a 60 mm endoscopic linear stapler fitted with a 2.5 mm cartridge. The specimen was retrieved in a laparoscopic bag. Total surgical time was 66 min. RESULTS: Laparoscopic typhlectomy was completed and the dog recovered without intraoperative complications, resumed voluntary feeding within 6 h, and was discharged after 36 h. Histopathology confirmed a gastrointestinal stromal tumor with tumor-free margins. No recurrence or gastrointestinal complications were observed during 6 months of clinical and ultrasonographic follow up. Survival time was 365 days; euthanasia was performed because of an unrelated neurological condition. CONCLUSION: Although typhlectomy is an established procedure, this report shows the feasibility of a totally laparoscopic approach for selected cecal lesions in dogs. Laparoscopic typhlectomy may provide a minimally invasive alternative to open typhlectomy in selected patients.