Cervical and transdiaphragmatic paraxiphoid thoracoscopy in dogs: evaluation of respiratory response and blood pressure

This study evaluated the cervical and transdiaphragmatic thoracoscopic approaches regarding their implementation, intrathoracic evaluation and application of a chest tube, using the treatment of pneumothorax as an experimental model. After injection of 20ml kg-1 of air per hemithorax, thoracoscopy was made by transdiaphragmatic paraxiphoid or cervical positions. After cavity examination, a thoracic drain was inserted using the surgical site to drain the pneumothorax. The cardiorespiratory function and arterial blood gas were measured during time of evaluation. The cavity examination allowed visualizing the aspect and function of intrathoracic structures. There were no significant differences between the two approaches when comparing the measurements made in each period evaluated. Both enabled intracavitary exploration and application of thoracic drain. Cervical access shows viability, but resulted in the death of two patients, and it not recommended as a substitute for the latter in the insertion of thoracic drains in dogs.