Objective
To compare the outcomes of dogs treated at a single institution for single extrahepatic congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS) by thin film banding (TFB) or by placement of an ameroid constrictor (AC).
Study design
Retrospective case series.
Animals
Seventy‐six client‐owned dogs with CPSS treated with TFB (n = 53) or AC (n = 23).
Methods
Records were reviewed for signalment, preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative management and short‐term outcomes. Data on second surgeries were reviewed. Long‐term outcomes were obtained via an owner‐directed health‐related quality of life questionnaire. The rates of complications, mortality, and revision surgery were compared between the treatment groups.
Results
Postoperative complications occurred in 15 (28%) dogs with TFB (9% mortality, n = 5) and 8 (35%) dogs with an AC (4% mortality, n = 1). Long‐term follow‐up was available in 41 of 56 dogs at a median of 55 months (range, 15‐89). Revision surgery for persistent shunting was performed in 14 (29%) dogs treated initially with TFB and in no dogs treated initially with AC (P = .007). Median long‐term outcome scores were good in both groups; nine of 14 revision surgeries led to favorable outcomes.
Conclusion
Persistent shunting requiring revision surgery was more common when CPSS were treated with TFB than with an AC, but both treatments achieved favorable long‐term outcomes.
Clinical significance
Treatment of CPPS by placement of an AC rather than TFB seems more reliable for shunt attenuation and prevention of revision surgeries.