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Foster et al: Outcomes and prognostic variables associated with right divisional hepatic lobectomies in 70 dogs
Veterinary Surgery 1, 2026

🔍 Key Findings

  • Perioperative mortality rate was low (2.9%), with no intraoperative deaths reported.
  • Intraoperative complications occurred in 54.3% of dogs, most commonly hemorrhage and cardiovascular events.
  • 21% of dogs required blood transfusions, though transfusion was not associated with higher complication risk.
  • Advanced hemodynamic support (fluid + cardiovascular) was significantly associated with short-term complications (OR 17.3, p = .029) and shorter survival.
  • No surgical method (e.g., TA stapler, vessel sealing device, hilar resection) was associated with increased risk of complications.
  • Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was the most common diagnosis (53%), with an MST of 741 days and 17.6% recurrence.
  • Surgical margins (complete vs incomplete) were not associated with overall survival time in dogs with HCC.
  • The use of preoperative CT and improved surgical instrumentation may have contributed to the lower observed mortality.

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← Articles

Foster et al: Outcomes and prognostic variables associated with right divisional hepatic lobectomies in 70 dogs
Veterinary Surgery 1, 2026

🔍 Key Findings

  • Perioperative mortality rate was low (2.9%), with no intraoperative deaths reported.
  • Intraoperative complications occurred in 54.3% of dogs, most commonly hemorrhage and cardiovascular events.
  • 21% of dogs required blood transfusions, though transfusion was not associated with higher complication risk.
  • Advanced hemodynamic support (fluid + cardiovascular) was significantly associated with short-term complications (OR 17.3, p = .029) and shorter survival.
  • No surgical method (e.g., TA stapler, vessel sealing device, hilar resection) was associated with increased risk of complications.
  • Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was the most common diagnosis (53%), with an MST of 741 days and 17.6% recurrence.
  • Surgical margins (complete vs incomplete) were not associated with overall survival time in dogs with HCC.
  • The use of preoperative CT and improved surgical instrumentation may have contributed to the lower observed mortality.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Foster 2026 et al., on right hepatic lobectomy, what was the most common intraoperative complication observed?

A. Arrhythmias
B. Hemorrhage
C. Regurgitation
D. Caval tear
E. Anesthetic overdose

Answer: Hemorrhage

Explanation: Hemorrhage occurred in 25/70 dogs and was the most common intraoperative complication.
In Foster 2026 et al., on right hepatic lobectomy, what was the overall perioperative mortality rate in the study population?

A. 0%
B. 2.9%
C. 9.1%
D. 12.1%
E. 15.6%

Answer: 2.9%

Explanation: Two dogs died perioperatively, yielding a 2.9% mortality rate.
In Foster 2026 et al., on right hepatic lobectomy, what was the reported median survival time (MST) for dogs diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma?

A. 327 days
B. 505 days
C. 741 days
D. 913 days
E. 1120 days

Answer: 741 days

Explanation: The MST for dogs with HCC was 741 days.

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