Canine orchiectomy via scrotal approach using vessel-sealing device: prospective observational study of 200 cases: prospective observational study of 200 cases

Canine orchiectomy procedure involves making an incision in the scrotal or prescrotal area, exteriorizing both testes via the same incision, ligating the blood vessels and spermatic cord, removing the testes, and suturing the incision. A briefer duration of anaesthesia and surgery that might decrease postoperative morbidity could be obtained using a vessel sealing device. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility and safety of orchiectomy in dogs by a scrotal approach with the use of a vessel-sealing device. Scrotal orchiectomy was performed with the use of monopolar electrosurgery and a vessel sealing devise. Data were collected prospectively for the following categorical variables: breed, age, body weight, lifestyle, surgical time, indications for surgery and complications. No complications were reported in 187 of 200 (93.5%). The complications documented were automutilation (AM), incisional complications (IC) and scrotal complications (SC). AM complications (11/200 [5.5%]) and SC complications (2/200 [1%]) were treated without additional surgery and resolved by day 10 after the surgery. Procedure duration (2.1 minutes± 0.4 minutes) was briefer than traditional castration duration reported in literature (3.5 ± 0.4 minutes). This study provides evidence that canine orchiectomy by scrotal approach with the use of a vessel-sealing device was feasible and safe. Furthermore, it was associated with a low complication rate and had the benefit of reduced surgical time.