Reconstructive Surgery of the Pelvic Diaphragm Using the Tunica Vaginalis Communis in a Dog with Perineal Hernia

Abstract

Working with a male dog with unilateral perineal hernia, we invented a novel system of reconstructive surgery of the pelvic diaphragm using the tunica vaginalis communis. After castration, a dorsal recumbency tunica vaginalis communis was resected from the inguinal ring and introduced into the abdominal cavity. It was then transferred to the hernial orifice. After the position was changed to the ventral recumbency, a skin incision reduced hernial content. The sheath-shaped tunica vaginalis communis was then opened to form a fanshaped sheet and was sutured to the muscles of the pelvic diaphragm. Closure was performed in the routine manner. No post-surgical swelling or exudates at the surgical sites were observed, and the patient recovered without problems. The tenesmus and dyschezia observed before surgery improved remarkably. Five years after surgery, no recurrence or complications were observed, indicating that use of the tunica vaginalis communis successfully reconstructed the pelvic diaphragm. Therefore this procedure can be recommended for such surgery.