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Poggi et al: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 22 cats (2018–2024)
Veterinary Surgery 5, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

  • Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) was successfully performed in all 22 cats without conversion to open surgery.
  • Complication rate was low: 3 cats had postoperative complications (1 seroma, 1 vomiting, 1 EHBDO and death).
  • Median operating time was 41 minutes; median hospitalization was 3 days.
  • No cases required conversion to open laparotomy, even in cats as small as 2.5 kg.
  • Common devices used: Hemoclips or Hem-o-lok for cystic duct ligation; Ligasure, harmonic scalpel, or j-hook for dissection.
  • Most common indications: cholelithiasis (9/22) and cholecystitis (10/22), with one biliary mucocele and one adenoma.
  • Histopathology confirmed diagnosis in all cases; concurrent liver or intestinal biopsies were performed in some cats.
  • Postoperative AUS and bloodwork were routine and important for detecting early signs of EHBDO.

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← Articles

Poggi et al: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 22 cats (2018–2024)
Veterinary Surgery 5, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

  • Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) was successfully performed in all 22 cats without conversion to open surgery.
  • Complication rate was low: 3 cats had postoperative complications (1 seroma, 1 vomiting, 1 EHBDO and death).
  • Median operating time was 41 minutes; median hospitalization was 3 days.
  • No cases required conversion to open laparotomy, even in cats as small as 2.5 kg.
  • Common devices used: Hemoclips or Hem-o-lok for cystic duct ligation; Ligasure, harmonic scalpel, or j-hook for dissection.
  • Most common indications: cholelithiasis (9/22) and cholecystitis (10/22), with one biliary mucocele and one adenoma.
  • Histopathology confirmed diagnosis in all cases; concurrent liver or intestinal biopsies were performed in some cats.
  • Postoperative AUS and bloodwork were routine and important for detecting early signs of EHBDO.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Poggi 2025 et al., on laparoscopic cholecystectomy in cats, what was the reported median postoperative hospitalization duration?

A. 1 day
B. 2 days
C. 3 days
D. 4 days
E. 5 days

Answer: 3 days

Explanation: The median hospitalization time following surgery was 3 days (range 2–4 days).
In Poggi 2025 et al., on laparoscopic cholecystectomy in cats, which instrument was most frequently used for gallbladder dissection?

A. Harmonic scalpel
B. Ligasure
C. J-hook
D. Maryland forceps
E. Cold dissection

Answer: Ligasure

Explanation: Ligasure was used in 14 of 22 cats, making it the most common device for gallbladder dissection.
In Poggi 2025 et al., on laparoscopic cholecystectomy in cats, what was the most commonly reported indication for surgery?

A. Cholangiohepatitis
B. Cholelithiasis
C. Gallbladder neoplasia
D. Biliary mucocele
E. Extrahepatic biliary duct obstruction

Answer: Cholelithiasis

Explanation: Cholelithiasis was identified in 9 of the 22 cats, making it the most common indication for LC.
In Poggi 2025 et al., on laparoscopic cholecystectomy in cats, which of the following was a reported postoperative complication leading to death?

A. Seroma at camera port
B. Splenic bleeding
C. Residual gallbladder
D. Extrahepatic biliary duct obstruction
E. Delayed clip migration

Answer: Extrahepatic biliary duct obstruction

Explanation: EHBDO developed postoperatively in one cat with cholelithiasis and led to death within 3 days.
In Poggi 2025 et al., on laparoscopic cholecystectomy in cats, what was the median operating time for the procedure alone?

A. 21 minutes
B. 41 minutes
C. 61 minutes
D. 90 minutes
E. 122 minutes

Answer: 41 minutes

Explanation: The median operating time reported for LC alone was 41 minutes.

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