Thoracoscopic-assisted lung lobectomy in the dog: a pilot cadaveric study examining the influence of assisted portal position on pulmonary exposure

This cadaveric study evaluated the extent of lung exposure for the purposes of complete or partial lung lobectomy via a thoracoscopic-assisted technique using a radial wound retraction device in two dog breeds. Ten canine cadavers (five greyhounds and five kelpies) were used. The volume of each of the lung lobes that could be exteriorised was compared for several portal positions. The influence of the location of the portal with respect to the location of the hilus was examined. For all lobes except the accessory lung lobe, the exposure provided by the thoracoscopic-assisted approach was considered adequate for complete or partial lung lobectomy. There were some breed variations in lung exposure. The thoracoscopic-assisted approach is a practical method for exposure of the lung lobes, except the accessory lobe, for partial lung lobectomy in the dog. The portals described also allow the introduction of a linear stapler for the purpose of complete lung lobectomy. Aust Vet Pract 2012;42(4):314-320