Staphylectomy with Onemytis Airplasma versus carbon dioxide laser to correct elongated soft palate: A prospective, randomized, clinical, histological and immunohistochemical trial in dogs

Elongated soft palate is a pathological condition that frequently affects dogs and is often treated surgically by staphylectomy. The aim of the study was to compare clinical efficacy and tissue invasiveness of two staphylectomy techniques: Onemytis® with Airplasma® technology versus CO₂ laser. Thirty-six dogs with elongated soft palate were included in a prospective, randomized clinical trial and allocated into two groups: 18 in Group OM (Onemytis®) and 18 in Group CO2 (CO2 laser). Outcomes assessed included clinical parameters (clinical score, surgical duration, owner satisfaction), histological features (edema, thermal damage, hyperemia, margin regularity), and immunohistochemical markers (Caspase-3, Heat Shock Proteins, T.U.N.E.L expression) to evaluate surgical efficacy and iatrogenic injury. The clinical outcome showed satisfactory and similar clinical efficacy for both surgical techniques (P > 0.05). The duration of surgery with Onemytis® was significantly shorter (P = 0.0004). Histological (P < 0.0001) and immunohistochemical analyses (HSP and T.U.N.E.L: P < 0.0001; Caspase-3: P > 0.05) consistently indicated that Onemytis® was less invasive than CO₂ laser, causing reduced collateral tissue damage. Both instruments are suitable in performing staphylectomy in dogs with elongated soft palate, however the results of the present study suggest that Onemytis® is faster and induces less trauma on pharyngeal tissue compared to CO2 laser.