Simini Surgery Review: Small Animal Edition

Veterinary Surgery April 2026 – Soft Tissue: HAVM Occlusion, Laparoscopic Warmups & PPDH Repair

In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we continue our soft tissue coverage from the April 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery by focusing on how minimally invasive surgery continues to evolve through better technique, better preparation, and smarter intraoperative decision-making.  From hepatic vascular malformations to laparoscopic performance warmups and thoracoabdominal hernia repair, these studies show how modern surgery increasingly depends on understanding both the patient’s physiology and the surgeon’s performance under pressure. In this episode: ✅ Weiss et al. — A 20-year retrospective study evaluating treatment strategies for hepatic arteriovenous malformations (HAVMs) in dogs. Medical management alone resulted in zero long-term survivors, while surgery dramatically improved outcomes. Among surgical approaches, dominant outflow vein occlusion (DOV) achieved a 95% acute occlusion rate and only 15% recurrence, significantly outperforming transarterial embolization (TAE), which showed a 53% recurrence rate due to collateral vessel recruitment. The study emphasizes the importance of venous outflow control using nonabsorbable suture ligation over mechanical occlusion devices.  ✅ Foreman et al. — A prospective study investigating whether a simple 30-minute preoperative laparoscopic warmup improves surgical performance in veterinary students performing live dog ovariectomies. Students who completed simulator exercises and laparoscopic video gaming reduced operative time by 20 minutes (63 vs. 84 minutes) and achieved significantly higher performance scores. The findings highlight the role of psychomotor priming and structured warmups in minimally invasive surgery training.  ✅ Massari et al. — The largest reported case series evaluating laparoscopic repair of peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernias (PPDH) in dogs and cats. Using ultra-low insufflation pressures (3–4 mmHg) and active pericardial venting, the authors achieved successful minimally invasive repair in 92% of cases. One patient required emergency conversion due to tension pneumopericardium and cardiovascular collapse, reinforcing the importance of careful hemodynamic management during thoracoabdominal laparoscopy.  Together, these studies demonstrate that successful minimally invasive surgery depends just as much on preparation and physiology as it does on instrumentation. 🎓 Journal Articles Discussed * Weiss et al. — Procedural descriptions and survival times for hepatic arteriovenous malformations (HAVM) in animals receiving primarily conservative treatment, arterial embolization, or dominant outflow vein occlusion * Foreman et al. — Effects of preoperative warm-ups on veterinary medical students' performance with live dog laparoscopic ovariectomy * Massari et al. — Laparoscopic repair of peritoneopericardial hernias: Multicentric retrospective case series of 12 dogs and one cat 📚 From the April 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/1532950x/2026/55/3] 🎁 Want to learn more about Simini Protect Lavage or request a sample? Learn More:  www.simini.com [http://www.simini.com] Request a Sample: https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit [https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit]

Veterinary Surgery April 2026 – Ortho: Double Plating Mechanics & Surgical Skills Training

In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we continue our orthopedic coverage from the April 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery by focusing on two themes that shape every surgeon’s career: building stronger repairs and building stronger surgeons.  From double plate fixation in complex scapular fractures to structured cadaver-based resident training, these papers explore how biomechanics and deliberate practice influence both surgical outcomes and long-term competency. In this episode: ✅ Barrett et al. — An ex vivo biomechanical study evaluating single versus double plating constructs for comminuted canine scapular fractures. Adding a second plate along the caudolateral border nearly halved fracture displacement during cyclic loading (0.81 mm → 0.48 mm) and increased construct stiffness from 392.8 to 563.7 N/mm without increasing strain on the primary implant. The findings suggest that load-sharing double plating may support immediate postoperative weight bearing while potentially reducing reliance on restrictive external coaptation.  ✅ Leu et al. — A prospective pilot study evaluating a three-month cadaveric orthopedic skills curriculum for small animal surgery residents and interns. Using OSATS global rating scores, the study demonstrated significant improvement in technical performance, with median expert scores increasing from 17/35 to 23/35 after training. Interestingly, trainee self-assessment showed poor agreement with expert evaluation, highlighting the importance of objective feedback and structured mentorship during surgical development.  Together, these studies reinforce an important principle in orthopedic surgery: better outcomes depend not only on stronger implants, but also on stronger surgical preparation and training systems. 🎓 Journal Articles Discussed * Barrett et al. — Double plate fixation improves stiffness in a comminuted canine scapula fracture gap model compared to single plate fixation * Leu et al. — Structured assessment of a cadaveric orthopedic surgical training program of small animal surgeons in training: A prospective observational pilot study 📚 From the April 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/1532950x/2026/55/3] 🎁 Want to learn more about Simini Protect Lavage or request a sample? Learn More:  www.simini.com [http://www.simini.com] Request a Sample: https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit [https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit]

Veterinary Surgery February 2026 – Soft Tissue Part 4: Foreign Body Decision-Making & EndoGIA Lobectomy

In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we wrap up our soft tissue coverage from the February 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery with two studies that refine decision-making at the intersection of diagnostics and technique. From predicting laparoscopic success in GI foreign bodies to rethinking stapling technology in open thoracic surgery, these papers emphasize how better planning—and better tools—can improve outcomes in high-stakes procedures. In this episode: ✅ Toth et al. — A prospective study evaluating abdominal ultrasound for surgical planning in canine GI foreign bodies. Ultrasound correctly identified foreign body type and morphology in 96.8% of cases, but consistently underestimated size. Importantly, location—not size—determined surgical success, with a 0% success rate for laparoscopic-assisted removal when objects were lodged at the caudal duodenal flexure. Linear foreign bodies were safely managed laparoscopically only if they did not extend past this anatomic bottleneck.  ✅ Weaver et al. — A retrospective study of 46 open lung lobectomies using the EndoGIA stapler, traditionally reserved for minimally invasive procedures. The device achieved zero major intraoperative complications, with over 82% of cases complication-free intraoperatively. While postoperative complications occurred (~10.8%), these were linked to underlying disease severity, not device failure. The EndoGIA’s articulating design and triple-staple row deployment improved maneuverability, hemostasis, and air leak prevention in confined thoracic spaces.  Together, these studies highlight a key surgical principle: the best outcomes come from matching the right approach—and the right tools—to the underlying anatomy and pathology. 🎓 Journal Articles Discussed * Toth et al. — Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonographic evaluation prior to laparoscopic-assisted gastrointestinal foreign body removal in 30 dogs * Weaver et al. — Use of the Endo GIA™ stapler for lung lobectomy in dogs and cats undergoing open thoracic procedures (intercostal, transdiaphragmatic thoracotomy or median sternotomy): A retrospective study of 46 lung lobectomies 📚 From the February 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery 🎁 Want to learn more about Simini Protect Lavage or request a sample? Learn More:  www.simini.com [http://www.simini.com] Request a Sample: https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit [https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit]

Veterinary Surgery February 2026 – Soft Tissue Part 3: Lung Lobectomy Ligatures & Omental Graft Reconstruction

In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we wrap up our soft tissue coverage from the February 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery with two studies that expand your surgical toolbox using practical, adaptable techniques. From cost-effective lung lobectomy closure methods to biologically driven wound reconstruction, these papers challenge reliance on expensive tools and highlight the power of mechanics and tissue biology working together. In this episode, we talk about: ✅ Cronin et al. — A large clinical series evaluating hilar circumferential ligature techniques for lung lobectomy in dogs and cats. The study reported a low intraoperative hemorrhage rate of 4.3%, with no difference between pre-tied loops and hand-tied knots. However, sliding knots showed a dramatically higher hemorrhage rate (28.6%), reinforcing that knot selection—not just technique—directly impacts safety in thoracic surgery.  ✅ Makar et al. — A retrospective case series describing free autologous omental grafts for large distal limb wounds in dogs. Despite initial graft discoloration and heavy discharge, all wounds healed successfully, shrinking to ~19% of original size by 30 days and achieving full epithelialization in an average of 59 days, with no major complications or long-term lameness. The omentum’s angiogenic and immunologic properties allowed it to revascularize and control infection even in contaminated wounds.  Together, these studies reinforce a key principle: effective surgery doesn’t always require more technology; sometimes, it requires a better understanding of mechanics and biology. 🎓 Journal Articles Discussed * Cronin et al. — Perioperative outcomes of 65 dogs and 15 cats undergoing lung lobectomies with a hilar circumferential ligature. * Makar et al. — Autologous, free omentum grafts for large, open, distal limb wounds in dogs: Technique and outcome in 10 dogs. 📚 From the February 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery 🎁 Want to learn more about Simini Protect Lavage or request a sample? Learn More:  www.simini.com [http://www.simini.com] Request a Sample: https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit [https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit]

Veterinary Surgery February 2026 – Soft Tissue Part 2: Axial Flaps & Laparoscopic Ergonomics

In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we continue our soft tissue coverage from the February 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery with two studies that highlight how outcomes depend not just on technique, but on tissue biology and surgeon-tool interaction. From large-scale reconstructive flap surgery in cats to laparoscopic instrument design, these papers reveal how both biology and ergonomics can shape surgical success. In this episode, we talk about: ✅ Cinti et al. — A retrospective study evaluating the lateral caudal axial pattern flap for reconstruction of large caudodorsal defects in cats. Despite a 50% complication rate, all complications were minor (seroma, edema, partial dehiscence), and 0% required revision surgery. Surgeons were able to safely use flaps averaging 61.3% of tail length, demonstrating that feline tail vasculature provides robust and reliable perfusion even under high tension, making this a viable option for massive defects.  ✅ Cormillot et al. — A prospective, randomized crossover study of 120 surgeons evaluating laparoscopic instrument handle size. The study found that hand size strongly predicts optimal handle preference, with surgeons wearing glove sizes ≤6.5 significantly preferring smaller handles, while larger-handed surgeons preferred standard sizes. Poor ergonomic fit led to two-handed instrument use, increased wrist strain, and reduced efficiency, highlighting a major but often overlooked contributor to surgeon fatigue and long-term injury risk.  Together, these studies emphasize a critical concept: successful surgery depends on both the biology of the patient and the biomechanics of the surgeon. 🎓 Journal Articles Discussed * Cinti et al. — Outcome and complications of lateral caudal axial pattern flap in 14 cats. * Cormillot et al. — Surgeon hand size influences laparoscopic finger loop handle preference. 📚 From the February 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery 🎁 Want to learn more about Simini Protect Lavage or request a sample? Learn More:  www.simini.com [http://www.simini.com] Request a Sample: https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit [https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit]