Partial esophagectomy with single layer closure for treatment of esophageal sarcomas in 6 dogs

OBJECTIVE: To report partial esophagectomy (PE) as a treatment for esophageal sarcoma in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study (2000-2002). ANIMALS: Six dogs with caudal thoracic esophageal tumors. METHODS: Medical records of 6 dogs that had surgical removal of esophageal tumors were reviewed. Signalment, medical history, physical examination results, complete blood count, surgical procedure, tumor classification, postoperative treatment, and complications were retrieved. RESULTS: Esophageal masses were approached by thoracotomy and esophagotomy on the side opposite the mass, removed with 1 cm margins by full thickness excision, and the defects closed with a single layer of interrupted sutures. All dogs recovered rapidly without major complications. Tumors were fibrosarcoma (3 dogs), undifferentiated sarcoma (1), and osteosarcoma (2). Five dogs were administered doxorubicin chemotherapy after surgery. Good quality of life was observed postoperatively in 5 dogs until deterioration necessitated euthanasia; survival ranged from 2-16 months. The remaining dog was alive, 20 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Partial esophagectomy and closure using 1 suture layer, was an effective, simple, and safe technique for removal of sarcomas of the distal thoracic esophagus. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Removal of esophageal masses by partial esophagectomy can be used reliably as a method of esophageal surgery.