34th Annual Scientific Meeting proceedings

Objectives:

The current working theory within oncological surgery is that supplies and instruments which are in close contact with malignant cells can seed these cells and implant them into normal healthy tissue, potentially casing iatrogenic malignant neoplasm. Due to the lack of research into this subject, there is no formal guidance for veterinary surgeons to follow.

This study aims to look at the potential adherence of malignant cells to surgical gloves and instruments in canine oncological resection surgeries.

Methods:

Washings using ThinPrep® from the primary surgeon gloves and two instruments were centrifuged at 2000 rpm for 10 minutes and supernatant discarded.

The precipitate was then applied to ThinPrep® slides with modified Giemsa staining. The slides were then examined by an expert cytopathologist who was blinded to the history, procedure type and patient details.

Presence of atypical or malignant cells was then documented and atypical/malignant cells counted.

Results:

Samples were taken from 50 oncological surgeries with 28% of samples showing identifiable malignant cells during microscopic examination.

Conclusions:

Malignant cells are being transferred to gloves and instruments during oncological surgeries, with the potential to act as vectors for local recurrence. Further research into the viability of these cells would be welcomed.