title: Use of a parainguinal approach for cryptorchidectomy in alpacas.
abstract: Cryptorchidism is an uncommon condition in llamas and alpacas, and there are no reports detailing surgical management of this condition in llamas or alpacas; however, flank or ventral midline approaches have been mentioned. Cryptorchid castration was performed by use of a parainguinal approach in 2 alpacas. The retained testicle of each alpaca was found on the ventral aspect of the abdomen, just caudal to the incision in 1 alpaca and at the cranial edge of the incision in the other. The testicle was approximately 1 X 0.5 cm in 1 alpaca and 2 X 1 cm in the other. In an alpaca or llama with a single abdominal testicle and no history of surgery, the parainguinal approach has several advantages, including the likely proximity of the testicle to the incision; the small incision, which can be extended if needed; ease of closure; and minimal aftercare. The retained testicles were small and could be difficult to find from a more distant midline, paramedian, or flank incision.
authors.affiliation: Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis 97331, USA.
authors.forename: Jill E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Parker
authors.forename: Stacy A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Semevolos
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen / Q000601:surgery; D000818:Animals; D002161:Camelids, New World / Q000601:surgery*; D003456:Cryptorchidism / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D007264:Inguinal Canal; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male