Histomorphological evaluation of thermal injury following palatoplasty performed with CO2 laser or LigaSure device in dogs with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome

The elongated soft palate is an abnormality that characterizes most brachycephalic dogs and contributes to the brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Palatoplasty is routinely performed in brachycephalic dogs; several surgical techniques exist. The use of surgical instruments such as monopolar electrocoagulation, CO₂ or diode laser, bipolar vessel sealing device and harmonic shears has become routine to reduce the operating time, the intraoperative risk of bleeding and the postoperative oedema. This prospective study aimed to compare the histomorphological effect of a CO₂ laser and LigaSure device in palates of dogs undergoing palatoplasty. Twenty owned brachycephalic dogs were included, 10 palatoplasties were performed using CO₂ laser and 10 using LigaSure™ device. The dogs were positioned in sternal recumbency. A transoral approach was performed: the elongated soft palate was grasped with Allis forceps and brought rostrally, the palatoplasty was performed using the tonsillar crypts as anatomical landmarks. Surgical specimens were routinely fixed in 10 % formalin. Two sections perpendicular to the surgical margins were trimmed from each sample, paraffin-embedded and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Tissue damage induced by the two types of surgical devices was graded (1–4, from minimal to severe) and the depth of thermal injury measured in μm on captured images (using an image analysis program - ImageJ). Mean values and standard deviations (SD) were calculated based on six measurements for each sample.

The tissue damage was graded 3.7±0.48 in group LigaSure™ and 2.8±1 in group Laser. The mean depth of thermal injury was 874.94±184.92 μm in the LigaSure™ group and 451,76±137,86 μm in the Laser group. The comparison between the two groups showed significant lower grade and extension of thermal injury in the palate samples obtained with CO₂ laser (p<0.05).

Additionally, there is a lack of literature that correlates the histological changes with the clinical outcomes of the different palatoplasty methods in brachycephalic dogs. By comparing histological changes and clinical outcomes, we aim to provide valuable insights for optimizing the surgical approach for palatoplasty in brachycephalic dogs, ultimately improving postoperative outcomes for these patients.