Laparoscopic-assisted prepubic urethrostomy: experimental model in rabbit

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to develop a laparoscopic-assisted prepubic urethorstomy (PPU) technique using rabbits as an experimental model. Six male New Zealand rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) over six months old and weighing between 3 and 4kg (3.5kg ± 0.4) were used in this study. The animals underwent laparoscopic dissection of the pelvic urethra, which was then exposed for the laparoscopic-assisted urethrostomy procedure. The proposed model for training of laparoscopic-assisted PPU in rabbits was considered effective and feasible. It proved to be a simple technique even for surgeons under basic endosurgery skills training, with possibilities of employing the technique for the treatment of cats with loss of function of the distal urethra.