Complications and outcome following staphylectomy and folded flap palatoplasty in dogs with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the prevalence of pre‐, intra‐, and postoperative variables and complications associated with staphylectomy (S) and folded flap palatoplasty (FFP).Study designRetrospective study.Sample populationClient‐owned dogs (n = 124).MethodsMedical records of S and FFP dogs from a veterinary teaching hospital were reviewed between July 2012 and December 2019. Signalment, clinical pre‐, intra‐, and postoperative data were collected and reviewed. Median (interquartile range) was reported.ResultsA total of 124 dogs among 14 breeds underwent surgical treatment for an elongated soft palate with either a S (n = 64) or FFP (60). FFP dogs without concurrent non‐airway procedures were associated with longer duration of surgery (p = .02; n = 63; S, median = 51 min [34–85]; FFP, median = 75 min [56.25–94.5]) and anesthesia (p = .02; n = 63; S, median = 80 min [66–125]; FFP, median = 111 min [91–140.8]). Neither soft palate surgery was associated with the occurrence of anesthetic complications (p = .30; 99/120; S, 49; FFP, 50), postoperative regurgitation (p = .18; 27/124; S, 17; FFP, 10), or with hospitalization duration (p = .94; n = 124; S, median = 1 day [1]; FFP, median = 1 [1]). Postoperative aspiration pneumonia (9/124; S, 4; FFP, 5) and major complications were rare (5/124; S, 3; FFP, 2).ConclusionS and FFP had similar anesthetic and perioperative complications, although FFP dogs had longer anesthetic and operative times.Clinical significanceAlthough FFP took longer, no other clinically significant differences were appreciated between S and FFP procedures. Because of limitations inherent in study design, surgeons should continue to use clinical judgment when deciding on a procedure.