Comparison of video-assisted and open umbilical vein marsupialization technique in bovine fetuses (cadaveric study)

Abstract This study aimed to compare the conventional open technique with a video-assisted approach for umbilical vein marsupialization in cadaveric bovine fetuses, evaluating its application, feasibility, and surgical time. A cadaveric study was conducted using 16 bovine fetuses obtained from slaughterhouses. The fetuses were divided into a control group (CG), undergoing laparotomy, and a videosurgical group (GV), undergoing a video-assisted technique with two lateral accesses on the right flank. Results demonstrated a statistical difference in the time required to access the abdominal cavity and visualize the umbilical vein and adjacent structures. However, no significant difference was observed in the time taken for umbilical vein clamping, dieresis, and marsupialization between laparotomy and laparoscopy. The surgical time for abdominal cavity exposure was significantly longer in the CG group compared to the GV group (P < 0.0001). Additionally, the total surgical time was markedly shorter in the GV group (12.00 ± 0.45 min) than in the CG group (35.41 ± 0.58 min) (P < 0.0001). The study concluded that video-assisted umbilical vein marsupialization with two portals is a minimally invasive alternative to the conventional technique, allowing for reduced surgical time while achieving the same procedural outcomes. Clinically, this technique offers a faster and more efficient approach, suggesting its potential as an alternative for treating liver abscesses in calves, with possible benefits in reducing surgical stress and improving recovery.