🔍 Key Findings
- LVSG was feasible in 9/10 feline cadavers and both live cats, with no intra- or postoperative complications in live cases.
- Two cadavers developed suspected stenosis due to staple lines too close to the lesser curvature; avoided with orogastric tube placement in later cases.
- No evidence of gastric leakage in any cadavers (8/10 tested) or live patients after methylene blue leak tests.
- Mean surgical time was ~110 min cadavers / 115 min live, and 27.6% of stomach mass was resected.
- Both live cats recovered uneventfully, lost 21–24% body weight over 3 months, and had no GI complications at 6-month follow-up.
- Orogastric tube and tension on the greater curvature were critical to avoid staple line misplacement or stenosis.
- No oversew of the staple line was needed, and unreinforced staples showed no leakage in live patients.
- Future studies needed to assess metabolic outcomes and ideal staple sizing and closure techniques.
