Laparoscopic repair of peritoneopericardial hernias: Multicentric retrospective case series of 12 dogs and one cat

Objective To date, there is little evidence on laparoscopic repair of peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernias (PPDH). The present study reports on surgical technique considerations, complications and outcome. Study design This was a multicentric retrospective cohort study of patients with laparoscopic PPDH repairs, using low‐pressure CO 2 insufflation (3–4 mmHg) who were operated between October 2022 to November 2024 in two specialist centers. Animals Dog and cat patients were diagnosed with PPDH and treated laparoscopically using low‐pressure CO 2 insufflation (3–4 mmHg). Patients were either symptomatic or their owners wished for repair. Methods Demographics of patients and details of surgical procedures including follow‐up were reported in simple observational statistics. Details of surgical procedures included extent of PPDH, number of ports, insufflation pressure, suture use, use of thoracocentesis with an 18 gauge needle and/or drain, operating and total surgical time, anesthetic and surgical complications during and after surgery and a follow up at 6 months. Results Twelve canine and one feline patient were included in the study. One case required conversion to open surgery due to CO 2 ‐induced pericardial tamponade. All patients survived and had no serious complications. Conclusion Full laparoscopic repair of PPDH using low insufflation pressure was successfully achieved in 92% (12/13) patients. Clinical significance This is the largest case series to report on outcomes of laparoscopic repairs of PPDH. Laparoscopic treatment of PPDH is a viable option without increased risk of complications.