Laparoscopic assisted percutaneous herniorrhapy in dogs using PIRS technique

BACKGROUND: In the literature, no studies describe the use of laparoscopic techniques for inguinal hernia repair in canine clinical patients. The surgical technique—Percutaneous Internal Ring Suturing (PIRS) presented in this article is the world's first minimally invasive laparoscopic surgical technique for inguinal canal closure in dogs. AIM: The aim of the presented study is to evaluate the possibility of employment of the laparoscopic PIRS technique in clinical practice as well as to technically evaluate its usefulness in the treatment of the inguinal hernia in dogs. The presented study describes the procedure and the results of laparoscopic treatment of 11 inguinal hernias in nine dogs (two bilateral). METHODS: The whole procedure is performed under camera control introduced through one umbilical trocar. The very closure of the inner inguinal ring is done with the injection needle by a small puncture over the inguinal canal with the help of which the suture material is inserted, and the canal of the operated inguinal hernia is closed. Each operated dog underwent a thorough clinical examination before surgery which was combined with ultrasound examination of the inguinal canals before, immediately after and three months after surgery. RESULTS: There was no hernia recurrence in the study period in the operated dogs and all individuals returned to full mobility immediately after recovery from anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the low invasiveness and simplicity of performance, the PIRS technique described in the study should be taken into account when choosing a treatment method for non-traumatic inguinal hernia in dogs. At the same time, the possibility of using the described technique in other types of inguinal hernia in dogs requires further research.