A retrospective evaluation of surgical pancreatic biopsy in 38 dogs and 16 cats: complications and applications

Ryan, J., McAlinden, A., Gopinath, D. and Pratschke, K. (2010) A retrospective evaluation of surgical pancreatic biopsy in 38 dogs and 16 cats: complications and applications. In: ECVS Annual Scientific Meeting, Helsinki, July 1-3,

Abstract

<b>Introduction:</b> Pancreatic biopsy can be used to diagnose diseases which cause disruption to the architecture of the pancreas. It has been cited as the gold standard in diagnosis of inflammatory pancreatic lesions in dogs, cats and man, however, its sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and safety is unknown. <br></br> <b>Materials and Methods:</b> We analysed case records of 38 dogs and 16 cats who underwent pancreatic biopsy at our hospitals between 1992 and 2008. Of these, 3 died or were euthanised under anesthesia. We recorded biopsy technique, diagnosis obtained and post-operative complications within 10 days of surgery. Anaesthetic details were analysed where available. <br></br> <b>Results:</b> Specific pancreatic pathology was diagnosed in 20 cases, pancreatic nodular hyperplasia was diagnosed in 12 cases and no abnormalities were detected in 21 cases. Post-operative complications were seen in 22 cases, of which 9 were considered to be due to the severity or progression of the underlying disease. Post-operative pancreatitis was suspected clinically in 11 cases. The death of 2 cases within 10 days of surgery was considered to be due to surgical complications, while it was unclear whether the death of a further 2 cases was related to their surgery or to progression of their disease. Three of the 11 cases that developed signs consistent with postoperative pancreatitis had a histological diagnosis of pancreatic inflammation from the biopsy samples. <br></br> <b>Conclusions:</b> Our results demonstrate that a clinically significant diagnosis was obtained in 37% of cases in this series. Post-operative complications were seen in 41% of cases, and 21% of cases developed clinically suspected post-operative pancreatitis. While pancreatic biopsy has been cited as a gold standard, its accuracy is unknown and our results suggest potential for post-operative morbidity associated with pancreatic biopsy, with related mortality of 3.5–7.5%. For these reasons, we advise caution in routine biopsy of the pancreas in the absence of a strong clinical suspicion of pancreatic pathology.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Pratschke, Ms Kathryn
• Authors: Ryan, J., McAlinden, A., Gopinath, D., and Pratschke, K.
• Subjects: S Agriculture > SF Animal culture > SF600 Veterinary Medicine
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine