Ischial ostectomy in direct end-to-end anastomosis of the pelvic urethra in male dogs

Ischial ostectomy in conjunction with direct end-to-end anastomosis of the pelvic urethra was performed after prostatectomy in cadavers of 10 male dogs with normal bladder and urethra, and in a mongrel dog with an enlarged prostrate and transection injury of the pelvic urethra. In the cadavers, tension on the suture line was assessed from the intravesical pressure (IVP) and volume of normal saline solution (NSS) instilled into the bladder to cause dehiscence of the anastomosis before and after the ostectomy. The experiment found that the IVP and instilled NSS volume after the ischial ostectomy were significantly (p<0.01) higher than those before the ostectomy, suggesting the ostectomy can reduce tension on the suture line and risk of dehiscence. Clinically, the dog had uneventful recovery with normal urination. Fluoroscopic examination of the caudal abdomen at 3 and 16weeks after surgery revealed urethral continuity without perforation and narrowing of the anastomosis site.