Video‐Assisted Thoracoscopic Extirpation of the Tracheobronchial Lymph Nodes in Dogs

ObjectiveTo describe a technique for video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) extirpation of the tracheobronchial lymph nodes (TBLN), and to describe the quality of biopsy specimens obtained.DesignExperimental study.AnimalsPurpose‐bred male hound‐mix research dogs (n = 8).MethodsDogs were randomized to groups of left‐sided or right‐sided VATS approaches. One lung ventilation was used and TBLN dissection was achieved using a vessel‐sealing device.ResultsTBLNs ipsilateral to the approach were successfully identified and removed thoracoscopically in 7 dogs. A 3‐port technique was used in 6 dogs and 4 ports were used in 2 dogs. Observed complications included mild‐moderate hemorrhage from the perinodal tissue controlled thoracoscopically (n = 2), inability to locate any TBLN (1), and difficulty achieving or maintaining one‐lung ventilation (4). No other major complications occurred and all dogs recovered uneventfully. Median percentage surface area of the bisected lymph nodes affected by crush artifact was 20% (range, 0–40%). Areas of crush artifact were present in central (7/11) and peripheral (9/11) locations.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceThoracoscopic TBLN extirpation is a feasible technique in dogs with normal TBLN and may be useful for obtaining more detailed staging on microscopic disease status in oncologic patients with normal‐sized TBLNs. Further study is warranted to determine the feasibility and limitations of this technique in clinical patients with overt lymphadenopathy.