Vessel-sealing devices may be safely used for hepatic surgery in dogs with a low rate of severe complications.

VSDs are a safe alternative for canine hepatic surgery, though bile duct sealing efficacy requires further study.

This retrospective multicenter study evaluated the safety and complication profile of two vessel-sealing devices (VSDs) used as the sole method for hepatic surgery in 58 dogs across 6 institutions from January 2012 to June 2024. Cases included complete or partial liver lobectomies (n=48) and liver biopsies (n=10). For lobectomy cases, complications occurred in 42 of 48 dogs (87.5%), but the majority were classified as minor. Biliary leakage, the most clinically significant complication, was observed intra- or postoperatively in 4 of 48 lobectomy dogs (8.3%). No statistically significant differences in complication rates were identified based on liver mass size, liver lobe location, type of lobectomy performed, complication severity, or VSD type used. For liver biopsy cases, 5 of 10 dogs experienced complications, with 90% of these consisting of minor bleeding. Statistical analyses included the Fisher exact test, chi-square test, and Kruskal-Wallis test. The authors conclude that VSDs can be safely used for hepatic surgery in dogs despite the high frequency of minor complications. However, the capacity of VSDs to reliably seal bile ducts during lobectomy warrants further prospective investigation. This study supports VSDs as a viable alternative surgical technique for canine liver lobectomies, though surgeons should remain vigilant regarding biliary leakage as a potential serious complication.

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