Veterinary Surgery May 2026 – Soft Tissue: Feline Cystolithotomy & AGASACA Margin Control

In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we continue our soft tissue coverage from the May 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery by examining two studies that challenge surgeons to balance technical precision, patient recovery, and long-term outcomes. One study evaluates whether a minimally invasive approach to feline urolith removal truly improves surgical success, while the other explores how microscopic surgical decisions can dramatically alter recurrence risk in dogs with anal sac adenocarcinoma.In this episode:✅ Boone et al. — A retrospective study comparing modified percutaneous cystolithotomy (PCCL-M) with traditional open cystotomy in cats undergoing urolith removal. Despite superior visualization, PCCL-M did not improve complete stone clearance, with residual urolith rates similar to open surgery (33.3% vs. 30%). However, PCCL-M resulted in smaller incisions, shorter hospitalization times, and fewer immediate postoperative lower urinary tract signs, suggesting the primary benefit is improved recovery rather than improved stone retrieval. The study reinforces the importance of postoperative imaging regardless of surgical approach. ✅ Gordon et al. — A retrospective study evaluating the prognostic value of the R margin classification system in dogs with apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma (AGASACA). Dogs with R1 margins experienced a 23-fold increase in local recurrence risk, with recurrence rates rising from 4% (R0) to 50% (R1). Importantly, achieving wider margins that occasionally included portions of the external anal sphincter did not result in a dramatic increase in major complications, supporting a more aggressive surgical approach when appropriate. The study also identified hypercalcemia and lymphovascular invasion as major predictors of poor outcome and metastasis. Together, these studies emphasize that surgical success extends far beyond the procedure itself—requiring careful planning, objective postoperative assessment, and thoughtful long-term decision-making.🎓 Journal Articles DiscussedBoone et al. — Outcomes and comparison of modified percutaneous cystolithotomy and traditional open cystotomy in 52 catsGordon et al. — Investigation of the “R” tumor margin classification and prognostic factors in apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma of dogs📚 From the May 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery🎁 Want to learn more about Simini Protect Lavage or request a sample?Learn More: www.simini.comRequest a Sample:https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit