Recently, laparoscopic nephrectomy has become more popular in veterinary medicine. In the majority of these procedures, vascular sealing devices (VSDs) are used. These allow for the closure of renal vessels with advanced bipolar coagulation. However, until now, closure of the ureter was performed with mechanical clips or suturing. There is a lack of information in the literature about the possibility of VSDs being used for ureter closure. This article presents the possibility of renal vessels and ureter closure in cats and dogs with vascular sealing devices. Laparoscopic nephrectomy in dogs and cats was performed entirely with VSDs. Patients with unilateral hydronephrosis qualified for the procedure. The nephrectomies were completely performed using a laparoscopic approach. Both renal vasculature and ureter were closed with VSDs. Additionally, two resected ureters from operated cats underwent histopathological evaluation. Among the operated animals, there were no postoperative complications or signs in the urinary tract. Histopathological evaluation of two cats’ ureters showed lumen closure on the coagulation places. Vascular sealing devices, during laparoscopic nephrectomy, allow for closure of not only the renal vessels but also ureters.

Ectopic ureters are uncommon congenital abnormalities in dogs, leading to urinary incontinence. Ectopic ureters can be intramural or extramural. Intramural is usually the more prevalent form. Female dogs are affected more often than male dogs. This disease requires the surgical correction of the ureters. Three surgical techniques have been described in this regard: neoureterostomy, nephroureterectomy, and ureteroneocystostomy. In this study, we present minimally invasive surgical procedures for treating extra- and intramural ectopic ureters. Sixteen client-owned dogs with clinical signs of urinary incontinence due to ectopic ureters underwent surgery. Laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomies were performed to correct three extramural cases and one atypical intramural case of ectopic ureters. Additionally, cystoscopically guided laser ablation was used to correct 12 cases of intramural ectopic ureters. In all cases, the procedures were achieved without the need for conversion to open surgery. Among the minor complications, slight hematuria and a few cases of cystitis, which responded to conservative treatment, were noted. Major postoperative complications were not observed. Only one out of sixteen dogs failed to regain urinary continence, but it responded to pharmacological treatment. In conclusion, cases of ectopic ureters may benefit from minimally invasive surgical techniques when their use is feasible.