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Kuvaldina et al: Development of a minimally invasive endoscopic technique for excisional biopsy of the axillary lymph nodes in dogs
Veterinary Surgery 7, 2023

🔍 Key Findings

  • A minimally invasive endoscopic technique was successfully developed for excisional biopsy of axillary lymph nodes in dogs.
  • The procedure was performed on 4 cadavers (6 limbs) and 3 clinical patients, with no major complications reported.
  • Mean cadaveric time: accessory axillary node 5.1 min; axillary node 33 min. One limb had a double axillary node.
  • In clinical cases, 2/3 were completed endoscopically; one required conversion to open due to node elevation difficulty.
  • Surgical times in clinical cases ranged from 35 to 58 minutes, depending on node accessibility and number.
  • Postoperative morbidity was minimal: no lymphedema, minor seroma or lameness resolved quickly.
  • The SILS port approach enabled effective access, though precise placement was critical to visualization.
  • This is the first reported veterinary endoscopic technique for axillary lymphadenectomy; potential for improved staging and reduced morbidity.

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← Articles

Kuvaldina et al: Development of a minimally invasive endoscopic technique for excisional biopsy of the axillary lymph nodes in dogs
Veterinary Surgery 7, 2023

🔍 Key Findings

  • A minimally invasive endoscopic technique was successfully developed for excisional biopsy of axillary lymph nodes in dogs.
  • The procedure was performed on 4 cadavers (6 limbs) and 3 clinical patients, with no major complications reported.
  • Mean cadaveric time: accessory axillary node 5.1 min; axillary node 33 min. One limb had a double axillary node.
  • In clinical cases, 2/3 were completed endoscopically; one required conversion to open due to node elevation difficulty.
  • Surgical times in clinical cases ranged from 35 to 58 minutes, depending on node accessibility and number.
  • Postoperative morbidity was minimal: no lymphedema, minor seroma or lameness resolved quickly.
  • The SILS port approach enabled effective access, though precise placement was critical to visualization.
  • This is the first reported veterinary endoscopic technique for axillary lymphadenectomy; potential for improved staging and reduced morbidity.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Kuvaldina 2023 et al., in Minimally invasive axillary lymphadenectomy in dogs, what was the most common reason for conversion from endoscopic to open axillary lymph node excision?

A. Intraoperative hemorrhage
B. Inability to locate the lymph node
C. Inadequate insufflation pressure
D. Lymph node immobility preventing elevation
E. Instrument failure

Answer: Lymph node immobility preventing elevation

Explanation: One clinical case required conversion due to inability to elevate the axillary node into the dissection field.
In Kuvaldina 2023 et al., in Minimally invasive axillary lymphadenectomy in dogs, what was the average surgical time for excising the axillary lymph node in cadaveric specimens?

A. 12 minutes
B. 24 minutes
C. 33 minutes
D. 41 minutes
E. 56 minutes

Answer: 33 minutes

Explanation: The mean surgical time to excise the axillary lymph node in cadavers was 33 minutes.
In Kuvaldina 2023 et al., in Minimally invasive axillary lymphadenectomy in dogs, what anatomical variation was noted during cadaver dissection?

A. Absence of the axillary node in 2 limbs
B. A fused axillary and prescapular lymph node
C. Double axillary lymph node in one limb
D. Accessory node located caudal to thoracic duct
E. Displaced thoracodorsal artery

Answer: Double axillary lymph node in one limb

Explanation: One limb had two distinct axillary lymph nodes, an important anatomical finding noted during cadaveric dissection.
In Kuvaldina 2023 et al., in Minimally invasive axillary lymphadenectomy in dogs, which of the following best describes postoperative morbidity in the 3 clinical patients?

A. One dog developed lymphedema and seroma
B. All dogs had prolonged drainage and mild infection
C. Minor seroma or lameness resolved without intervention
D. Two cases required revision surgery
E. All dogs remained hospitalized >72 hours

Answer: Minor seroma or lameness resolved without intervention

Explanation: Postoperative morbidity was minimal; all clinical cases recovered uneventfully with no major complications.
In Kuvaldina 2023 et al., in Minimally invasive axillary lymphadenectomy in dogs, which technique was used for access in the minimally invasive procedure?

A. Gasless lift system
B. Trocar-less blunt dissection
C. Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) port
D. Modified Veress needle entry
E. Flexible ureteroscope

Answer: Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) port

Explanation: A SILS port was used in all cadaveric and clinical endoscopic procedures to enable instrument triangulation.

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