Laparoscopic ultrasound-guided microwave ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma in a dog

Objective: The aim of the study was to describe laparoscopic ultrasound (LUS) to guide microwave ablation (MWA) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a dog. Animals: A 13-year-old female spayed Husky. Study design: Case report. Methods: The dog was referred for laparoscopic MWA of a caudate lobe HCC measuring 2.7 cm x 1.9 cm x 2.3 cm. Laparoscopic ultrasound was used to guide percutaneous placement of a MWA probe within the caudate lobe mass. LUS was used to determine the tumor margins for placement of the probe within the medial and lateral aspects as well as the center of the mass. Additionally, LUS allowed visualization of vessels within the tumor so they could be avoided during probe placement. Results: Safe ablation was accomplished, and the dog recovered uneventfully with no complications. Follow-up computed tomography (CT) 3- and 12-months postoperatively revealed complete ablation of the caudate lobe mass. However, progressive increase in size of the right medial lobe mass occurred. Right medial liver lobectomy was performed 13 months after MWA, with a histopathologic diagnosis of HCC. The dog was euthanized 777 days post MWA and 1445 days post initial left lateral lobectomy for HCC. Conclusion: Laparoscopic ultrasound was useful in guiding complete and safe MWA of an HCC in this dog. Laparoscopic ultrasound should be considered when performing laparoscopic MWA of liver lesions in dogs.