Complications in reconstructive surgeries after resection of neoplasms in dogs and cats

ABSTRACT Surgery is the most used modality in the control of neoplasia. In many cases, due to the size and location of the neoplasia, the use of reconstructive techniques is necessary. Based on this, the objective of this study was to establish the prevalence of the main complications of reconstructive techniques after nodulectomy in dogs and cats. This study was a retrospective non-randomized study of three institutions. A total of 153 reconstructive procedures with postoperative complications were included in the analysis. Data was obtained from medical records. The most reported postoperative complications were ischemic necrosis and suture dehiscence. The observation period for postoperative complications corresponded to a mean time of five days (range 15 to 70 days) for ischemic necrosis, seven days for suture dehiscence, three days for seroma formation, two days for hematoma and four days for the occurrence of infection. Regarding surgical technique, there was no significant difference in the occurrence of complications in axial pattern flaps and subdermal pattern flaps. Despite surgical complications, postoperative management with careful wound care leads to healing in the vast majority of patients. These findings may help in prognosis and decision-making regarding the main reconstructive complications.