Laparoscopic Adipose-derived Stem Cell Harvest Technique with Bipolar Sealing Device: Outcome in 12 Dogs

Objective: This study aimed to describe the technique and clinical outcomes in dogs undergoing Laparoscopic Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Harvest via bipolar sealing device (LADSCHB) for degenerative orthopaedic and neurologic disease.

Study Design: Descriptive retrospective case series.

Animals: Eleven dogs with orthopaedic disease and one dog with degenerative spinal disease were enrolled in the study.

Methods: Medical records of dogs undergoing LADSCHB were reviewed for signalment, weight, reason for the procedure, anaesthesia time, surgery time, other procedures performed, post-operative pain protocols, incision size, amount of adipose tissue collected, number of viable cells collected, days to discharge, short-term complications, and owner satisfaction.

Results: The median weight of the population was 34.2 kg (range 9.2-62 kg), the median surgery time was 39 min (range 15-45 min), mean incision length was 2.5 cm, the median amount of adipose collected was 60 g, and the median number of viable stem cells was 21 million cells. Conversion to open laparotomy was not needed. The most common reason for the harvest was osteoarthritis of the elbow (8/12 cases). Nine cases had other procedures performed at the same time as the harvest. No complications were noted during the procedure or within the post-operative period. All owners surveyed were satisfied with the laparoscopic harvest procedure.

Conclusions: LADSCHB was technically feasible, productive, and not associated with any complications. This procedure was performed rapidly and was paired with other surgical procedures.

Clinical Significance: LADSCHB allows for stem cell harvest with commonly utilized laparoscopic equipment. This surgical technique could lead to the increased ability to treat patients with diseases that benefit from stem cell therapy.