Our Summary

The research paper discusses a study of a surgical procedure known as laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in cats. This is a procedure to remove the gallbladder, and it’s done using a small camera and surgical tools, which are inserted through small incisions in the cat’s body.

The study looked back at 22 cats that underwent this procedure between 2018 and 2024. The researchers collected data on different aspects of the surgery, such as the surgical approach, tools used, length of the operation, and any complications that occurred.

The study found that this technique was successful in every case, with no need to switch to traditional open surgery. The surgery took around 41 minutes on average. There were some post-operation complications in three cats - one was treated with medication, one got better on its own, and sadly, one cat passed away three days after the operation due to a blockage in the bile duct outside the liver.

The study concluded that LC is a viable alternative to traditional open gallbladder removal in cats that do not show signs of blockage or rupture in the bile duct based on biochemical or imaging tests. The procedure had a low complication rate and generally good outcomes.

FAQs

  1. What is a laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in cats?
  2. What were the findings of the study on laparoscopic cholecystectomy in cats conducted between 2018 and 2024?
  3. Is laparoscopic cholecystectomy a viable alternative to traditional open gallbladder removal in cats?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy to ensure they follow their post-operative care instructions carefully, including taking any prescribed medications, keeping the incision sites clean and dry, and watching for any signs of infection or complications. They may also advise the patient to gradually increase their activity level as tolerated and to follow a low-fat diet to help with digestion during the recovery period. It’s important for patients to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to their healthcare provider promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for laparoscopic cholecystectomy include those with symptomatic gallstones, gallbladder polyps, or gallbladder inflammation. Additionally, patients who are considered good candidates for minimally invasive surgery, such as those who are otherwise healthy and have no contraindications to laparoscopic surgery, may also be recommended for this procedure.

Timeline

Before laparoscopic cholecystectomy:

  • Patient experiences symptoms of gallbladder issues such as pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and bloating.
  • Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as ultrasound or CT scan to confirm gallbladder disease.
  • Patient consults with a surgeon to discuss treatment options, including the possibility of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

After laparoscopic cholecystectomy:

  • Patient undergoes pre-operative preparation, which may include fasting and medication adjustments.
  • Patient is admitted to the hospital on the day of surgery and undergoes the laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure.
  • Post-operatively, the patient may experience some pain and discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication.
  • Patient is discharged from the hospital within a day or two and is advised on post-operative care, including diet and activity restrictions.
  • Patient follows up with the surgeon for a post-operative check-up to ensure proper healing and to address any concerns.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy in cats?
  2. How should I prepare my cat for the surgery, including fasting and medication instructions?
  3. What is the expected recovery time for my cat after the surgery?
  4. How will pain management be handled post-operation?
  5. Will my cat need any special care or dietary restrictions following the surgery?
  6. Are there any signs or symptoms I should watch for that may indicate a complication after the surgery?
  7. What follow-up appointments or monitoring will be necessary after the surgery?
  8. Are there any long-term effects or considerations to be aware of after the gallbladder removal?
  9. What is the success rate of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in cats compared to traditional open surgery?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options for my cat’s condition that we should consider before proceeding with surgery?

Reference

Authors: Poggi E, Pérez Duarte FJ, Villagómez Herrera JA, Hernández López CA, Rubio DG, Gutiérrez Del Sol J, Izzo F, Tapia-Araya A, Piana F. Journal: Vet Surg. 2025 Jul;54(5):909-919. doi: 10.1111/vsu.14261. Epub 2025 Apr 14. PMID: 40223526