Description of the technique for laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in canine cadavers: 2D vs. 3D camera

OBJECTIVE: To describe the technique of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in canine cadavers. STUDY DESIGN: Cadaveric study. ANIMALS: 8 canine cadavers. METHODS: Specimens were randomly divided into a 2D or 3D group. The vesicourethral anastomosis (VUA) was performed with 5 mm laparoscopic needle holders. A unidirectional barbed suture was used to complete the VUA with two simple continuous suture patterns. The number of stitches placed, the patency of the anastomosis, and the distance between the VUA and the ureters were recorded. RESULTS: Four dogs were entered into each group. The prostatectomy was completed in each dog following the same technique. VUA were completed with nine stitches (range: 8–10 stitches) for the 2D group and ten stitches (range: 9–11 stitches) for the 3D group (p<0.176). All the stitches were placed full thickness. The VUA was patent in each case. The left ureter was 1.05 cm (range: 0.5 to 1.1cm) from the VUA in the 2D group and 1.8 cm (range: 1.3–1.8 cm) for the 3D group (p< 0.025). The right ureter was 1.5 cm (range: 1 to 2 cm) from the VUA in the 2D group and 1.75 cm (range: 1.3–2 cm) for the 3D group (p< 0.55). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy can be performed with a 2D or a 3D camera in canine cadavers. The 3D camera results in more accurate placement of the sutures since they were placed further away from the left ureter. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Radical prostatectomy with laparoscopy should be considered for dogs.