EVOLUTION OF SPAYING TECHNIQUES IN BITCHES: FROM CONVENTIONAL TO VIDEOLAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY – A LITERATURE REVIEW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25110/arqvet.v29i1.2026-12796Keywords:
Canine, Celiotomy, Laparoscopy, Ovariectomy, Ovariohysterectomy.Abstract
Conventional midline surgical sterilization techniques have long been taught and performed in veterinary medicine schools. However, these methods are associated with disadvantages such as increased tissue manipulation and significant postoperative pain. This has driven research into and the application of minimally invasive techniques, drawing on practices from human medicine. Accordingly, this review examines the literature on the evolution of surgical techniques for population control in female dogs. Initial descriptions of ovariohysterectomy and ovariectomy in female dogs involved the use of four access ports located along the midline and in paramedian positions. However, over the years, these portals have been refined, and their size and number have decreased, with most now restricted to the midline. In the pursuit of minimal tissue trauma, Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) techniques have also been applied and refined, emerging as a viable alternative for reproductive control. Thus, minimally invasive spay surgeries have demonstrated advantages over conventional procedures. Despite specific limitations—such as cases of markedly enlarged pyometra—these represent safe techniques for population control in female dogs.
Downloads
References
ARAYA, A. E. T. et al. Laparoscopic ovariectomy in dogs: comparison between laparoendoscopic single-site and three-portal access. Journal of Veterinary Science, v. 16, n. 4, p. 525-530, 2015. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4142/jvs.2015.16.4.525.
AUSTIN, B. et al. Laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy in nine dogs. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, v. 39, n. 4, p. 391-396, 2003.
BELTRAMIN, R. A et al. Nova técnica de ligadura do pedículo ovariano e coto uterino em cadela com utilização de duas pinças. Ciência Animal, v.32, n.2, p.28-37, abr./jun. 2022.
BENDINELLI, C. et al. Spontaneous pneumothorax in two dogs undergoing combined laparoscopic ovariectomy and total laparoscopic gastropexy. Journal of Veterinary Science, v. 20, n. 3, e25, 2019. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4142/jvs.2019.20.e25.
BRAGA, R. S. et al. Ovariectomia por videolaparoscopia por meio de dois portais: Relato de caso. PUBVET, v. 16, n. 2, a1042, p. 1-5, fev. 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31533/pubvet.v16n02a1042.1-5.
BRUN, M. V. et al. Laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy in canine. Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Research and Animal Science, São Paulo, v. 37, n. 6, p. 480-485, 2000.
BRUN, M.V. et al. Use of a new device for gasless endosurgery in a laparoscopic diaphragmatic hernia repair ex vivo canine model: A pre-clinical study. Veterinary Medicine and Science. Mar;8(2):460-468. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/vms3.675. 2022.
BRUN, M. V. et al. Ovariohysterectomy in a dog by a hybrid NOTES technique. The Canadian Veterinary Journal, v. 52, n. 6, p. 637-640, 2011.
BRUN, M.V. et al. Laparoscopic colopexy with polyprolyne mesh in dogs. Arquivo de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia. 59 (1), Fev. 2007. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/S0102-09352007000100020
CAN, M. et al. Effects of Surgical Skills of Veterinary Medicine Students on Postoperative Stress, Oxidative Stress and Pain in Bitches Undergoing Ovariohysterectomy. Kocatepe Veterinary Journal, v. 14, n. 1, p. 149-158, 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.30607/kvj.808064.
CASE, J. B. et al. Comparison of surgical time and postoperative pain in dogs undergoing 2-port vs. single-port laparoscopic ovariectomy. Veterinary Surgery, v. 40, n. 5, p. 581-584, 2011.
CASE, J. B.; CULP, W. T. N. Advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques in small animals. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, v. 254, n. 7, p. 801–809, 2019.
COLLIVIGNARELLI, F. et al. Two-Port Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy in Dogs. Animals, v. 12, n. 21, p. 2917, 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12212917.
CORADINI, G. P. et al. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a dog with chronic cholecystitis and extensive lithiasis. Brazilian Journal of Animal and Environmental Research. v. 3, n. 4, p. 4074-4080, out./dez. 2020.
CULP, W. T. N. et al. Evaluation of postoperative pain and morbidity in dogs undergoing laparoscopic vs. open ovariohysterectomy. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA), v. 235, n. 2, p. 162-168, 2009.
DHAKAL, I. et al. Comparison of Ventral Midline and Right Flank Approaches of Ovariohysterectomy in Bitches. Journal of Veterinary Clinics, v. 40, n. 1, p. 25-30, 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17555/jvc.2023.40.1.25.
DAVIDSON, E. B. et al. Comparison of postoperative pain and surgical variables associated with surgical ovariohysterectomy, laparoscopically-assisted ovariohysterectomy, and laparopically-assisted ovariohysterectomy in dogs. Veterinary Surgery, v. 33, n. 1, p. 62-69, 2004.
DELAUNE, T. et al. Use of a T'LIFT transabdominal organ retraction device in two-portal laparoscopic ovariectomy in dogs. Veterinary Surgery, v. 49, n. 8, p. 1622-1630, 2020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/vsu.13500.
DEVITT, C. H.; COX, R. E.; HAILEY, J. J. Duration, complications, stress, and pain of open ovariohysterectomy versus a simple method of laparoscopic-assisted ovariohysterectomy in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, v. 227, n. 6, p. 921-927, 2005. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.2005.227.921.
DUPRÉ, G. et al. Laparoscopic Ovariectomy in Dogs: Comparison Between Single Portal and Two-Portal Access. Veterinary Surgery, v. 38, n. 7, p. 818-824, 2009. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-950X.2009.00584.x.
FRANSSON, B. A.; MAYHEW, P. D. Small Animal Laparoscopy and Thoracoscopy. 2. ed. Hoboken: Wiley-Blackwell, 2022. p. 17-21.
GIBSON, E. et al. Laparoscopic-assisted gastrotomy for foreign body retrieval in four dogs. Veterinary Record Case Reports, v. 8, n. 2, e001105, 2020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/vetreccr-2019-001105.
HANCOCK, R. B. et al. Comparison of Postoperative Pain After Ovariohysterectomy by Harmonic Scalpel-Assisted Laparoscopy Compared with Median Celiotomy and Ligation in Dogs. Veterinary Surgery. 34:273–282, 2005. doi:10.1111/j.1532-950X.2005.00041.x.
HUBER, D. et al. Ovarian Suture Granuloma Resembling a Tumor in a Bitch. Topics in Companion Animal Medicine, v. 50, e100683, set./out. 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tcam.2022.100683.
KHALIFA, M. I. et al. Comparison of Ovariohysterectomy, Ovarian Electrocautery, and Ovarian Blood Supply Ligation for Elective Sterilization of Bitches. Alexandria Journal of Veterinary Sciences, v. 67, n. 1, p. 99-105, 2020.
KU, H. H. et al. Sutureless Laparoscopic Ovariectomy in Small Dogs Using Two 3-mm Portal Sites. Journal of Veterinary Clinics, v. 39, n. 6, p. 319-325, 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17555/jvc.2022.39.6.319.
LIMA, G. M. et al. Hydronephrosis in a Bitch with Ovarian Remnant Syndrome - Postsurgical Complications. Acta Scientiae Veterinariae, v. 50, n. supl. 1, p. 831, 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22456/1679-9216.126462.
LIMA, A. J. et al. Incisional Hernia in a Dog. Acta Scientiae Veterinariae, v. 49, n. supl. 1, p. 629, 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22456/1679-9216.110292.
LEONARDI, F. et al. Combined laparoscopic ovariectomy and laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy versus combined laparoscopic ovariectomy and total laparoscopic gastropexy: A comparison of surgical time, complications and postoperative pain in dogs. Veterinary Medicine and Science, v. 6, n. 3, p. 321-329, 2020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/vms3.249.
MARTIN, S. F. et al. Laparoscopic versus Open Ovariectomy in Bitches: Changes in Cardiorespiratory Values, Blood Parameters, and Sevoflurane Requirements Associated with the Surgical Technique. Animals, v. 12, n. 11, p. 1438, 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12111438.
MAURIN, M. P. et al. A systematic review of complications related to laparoscopic and laparoscopic-assisted procedures in dogs. Veterinary Surgery, v. 49, n. 7, p. 1-12, 2020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/vsu.13419.
MINAMI, S. et al. Successful laparoscopy-assisted ovariohysterectomy in two dogs with pyometra. Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, v. 59, n. 9, p. 845-847, 1997.
NAVES, B. C. F. et al. Comparison between two ovariohysterectomy techniques in bitches: ventral midline and flank - Case report. Revista Agropecuária do Sul de Minas, Varginha, v. 5, n. 1, p. 155-192, 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10443423.
OKUR, D. T. et al. Comparison of the postoperative outcome of the three-port laparoscopic ovariectomy and conventional open ovariectomy methods in dogs. The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine, v. 51, n. 3, p. 587-596, 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14456/tjvm.2021.70.
PAILLER, S. et al. Owner-reported long-term outcomes, quality of life, and longevity after hospital discharge following surgical treatment of pyometra in bitches and queens. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, v. 260, n. S2, p. S43-S48, 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.21.05.0253.
PATHAK, A. et al. Minimally Invasive Colorectal Surgery Techniques. Cureus, v. 15, n. 10, e47203, out. 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.47203.
PERCIVAL, A. et al. Single-Port Laparoscopic Treatment and Outcome of Dogs with Ovarian Remnant Syndrome: 13 Cases (2010-2018). Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, Mar/Apr; 56(2):114-119. 2020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5326/JAAHA-MS-6923
POPE, J. F. A.; KNOWLES, T. G. Retrospective analysis of the learning curve associated with laparoscopic ovariectomy in dogs and associated perioperative complication rates. Veterinary Surgery. Aug;43(6):668-77. 2014. doi: 10.1111/j.1532-950X.2014.12216.x.
PRUDÊNCIO, J. V. C. et al. Laparoscopic and conventional cholecystectomy: comparison between techniques. Brazilian Journal of Health Review, v. 6, n. 2, p. 6862-6872, mar./abr. 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.34119/bjhrv6n2-198.
RECUERO, M. F. et al. Postoperative pain in dogs undergoing either laparoscopic or open ovariectomy. The Veterinary Journal, v. 306, e106156, 2024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106156.
RUNGE, J. J. et al. Initial Application of Reduced Port Surgery Using the Single Port Access Technique for Laparoscopic Canine Ovariectomy. Veterinary Surgery, v. 41, n. 4, p. 526-531, 2012. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-950X.2012.00987.x.
SAHARAN, S. V. et al. Comparative studies on stress response to laparoscopic ovariectomy and open ovariectomy in dogs. The Haryana Veterinarian, v. 59, n. 1, p. 67-70, jun. 2020.
SANTOS, I. F. C. et al. Videocirurgia em cães e gatos — revisão de literatura. Veterinária e Zootecnia, v. 27, p. 1-16, 2020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.35512/vetzoo.v27.422.
SILVA, M. A. M. et al. Pure-transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) ovariohysterectomy in bitches: a preliminary feasibility study. Ciência Rural, Santa Maria, v.42, n.7, p.1237-1242, jul. 2012.
SILVA, T. S. et al. Complications associated with the formation of granulomas after the use of cotton thread to perform ovariohysterectomy in female dog: case report. Medicina Veterinária (UFRPE), Recife, v.16, n.3 (jul-set), p.184-191. 2022.
SINGH, A.; CASE, J. B.; CULP, W. T. N. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery in veterinary medicine: current status and future directions. Veterinary Surgery, v. 50, n. S1, p. O12–O22, 2021.
TAE, P.Y.; MINAMOTO, T. Optimized Two-Port Laparoscopic-Assisted Ovariohysterectomy for Hydrometra and Pyometra in Small-Sized Dogs. Animals. 15(2), 187. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15020187. 2025.
TIOSSO, C. F. et al. Single-port video-assisted laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy using operative endoscope or SILS™ device in dogs. Research in Veterinary Science, vol.192. 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.105704
WILDT, D. E.; LAWLER, D. F. Laparoscopic sterilization of the bitch and queen by uterine horn occlusion. American Journal Veterinary Research. 46: 864–869. 1985.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Iroleide Santana de Jesus, Késia Bandeira da Silva, Marco Augusto Machado Silva, Pedro Paulo Maia Teixeira

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.





