Comparative Assessment of Vessel Sealing Devices in Laparoscopic Salpingectomy of Captive Papio hamadryas

TL;DR

This study compares two tools for laparoscopic sterilization in baboons, finding both effective and safe for use across different ages and reproductive states.

Contribution

The study provides a comparative assessment of two vessel-sealing devices for laparoscopic salpingectomy in nonhuman primates.

Findings

Laparoscopic salpingectomy was feasible and safe in baboons of varying body sizes and reproductive statuses.

Both the LigaSure and Harmonic devices performed reliably with no major complications.

Surgical times varied slightly between devices but differences were not statistically significant.

Abstract

This prospective randomized clinical study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and surgical performance of laparoscopic salpingectomy as a method for permanent contraception in captive Papio hamadryas, with particular focus on comparing two vessel‐sealing technologies: a radiofrequency bipolar device (LigaSure Dolphin Tip) and an ultrasonic scalpel (Harmonic). Thirty‐two healthy female baboons (25 adults and 7 subadults), weighing between 4 and 15 kg—including six pregnant and fourteen in estrus—were randomly assigned to either the LigaSure (LS; n = 16) or Harmonic (HS; n = 16) group. All animals underwent bilateral laparoscopic salpingectomy using a standardized three‐port technique. Surgical data included installation time (from skin incision to port placement), salpingectomy time (from final trocar placement to salpinx retrieval), and total surgical time (skin‐to‐skin). Intraoperative complications and postoperative recovery were monitored clinically and behaviorally. All procedures were successfully completed laparoscopically without the need for conversion or major complications. In the LS group, the mean (± SD) installation, salpingectomy, and total surgical times were 7.75 ± 3.51, 9.75 ± 4.16, and 28.9 ± 9.74 min, respectively, while in the HS group, the values were 7.56 ± 3.08, 11.3 ± 5.25, and 25.8 ± 6.62 min. Although the HS group showed slightly longer salpingectomy times, differences between groups were not statistically significant. Pregnant animals tended to require longer surgical times due to reduced intra‐abdominal working space. Based on these results, laparoscopic salpingectomy was consistently feasible, safe, and effective across a range of body sizes and reproductive statuses. Both vessel‐sealing devices performed reliably, and the procedure was well tolerated in all cases. These findings support the use of laparoscopic salpingectomy as a minimally invasive, efficient, and reliable option for permanent sterilization in captive nonhuman primate populations.

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