🔍 Key Findings
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) was successfully performed in all 22 cats without conversion to open surgery.
- Complication rate was low: 3 cats had postoperative complications (1 seroma, 1 vomiting, 1 EHBDO and death).
- Median operating time was 41 minutes; median hospitalization was 3 days.
- No cases required conversion to open laparotomy, even in cats as small as 2.5 kg.
- Common devices used: Hemoclips or Hem-o-lok for cystic duct ligation; Ligasure, harmonic scalpel, or j-hook for dissection.
- Most common indications: cholelithiasis (9/22) and cholecystitis (10/22), with one biliary mucocele and one adenoma.
- Histopathology confirmed diagnosis in all cases; concurrent liver or intestinal biopsies were performed in some cats.
- Postoperative AUS and bloodwork were routine and important for detecting early signs of EHBDO.
