title: Effects of neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser irradiation on endometrium and on endometrial cysts in six mares.
abstract: Effects of neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser irradiation on equine endometrium were evaluated in vitro and in six mares with endometrial cysts. The Nd:YAG laser was applied to six endometrial sites, in each of five uterine specimens, with power densities of 5659 to 33,954 J/cm2. Depth of tissue ablation was measured and graded on histologic sections of the tissue lesions. Power density had a significant effect on the depth of tissue ablation (p < .001). Grade 3 lesions (full-thickness ablation of the endometrium) were created with energy densities of 16,977 to 33,954 J/cm2. Six mares had endometrial cysts treated by photoablation. Two of the four mares that were reproductively sound but barren, despite appropriate breeding, produced foals after treatment. One mare remained reproductively unsound after treatment, and another mare that was treated postpartum was bred successfully.
authors.affiliation: Department of Food Animal and Equine Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27606.
authors.forename: A T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Blikslager
authors.forename: L P
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Tate
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Weinstock
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003560:Cysts / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006736:Horses; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014591:Uterine Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*