Hand-assisted laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy in the mare.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a minimally invasive, hand-assisted laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy (HALS-OHE) technique in the mare and to evaluate safety and any associated complications.


METHODS
Experimental study.


METHODS
Eight, 11-24-year-old mares with anatomically normal urogenital tracts.


METHODS
The surgical technique was developed in 2 non-survival mares and subsequently evaluated in 6 survival procedures. Food was withheld for 48 hours, then mares were anesthetized and positioned in dorsal recumbency for laparoscopic surgery. A hand access device (Omniport) was placed followed by 4 laparoscopic portals. Transection of the ovarian pedicles and broad ligaments was achieved using a combination of a laparoscopic stapling instrument (Endo GIA II), an ultrasonically activated instrument (Harmonic Scalpel), and endoscopic clips (Endo Clip II ML). The genital tract was exteriorized through the laparotomy, and the uterus transected and sutured in a conventional pattern. Horses were evaluated through postoperative day 14 when a necropsy was performed.


RESULTS
Four mares recuperated well after surgery, 1 mare was euthanatized because of bilateral femur fracture during anesthetic recovery, and another developed severe pleuropneumonia. At necropsy all but 1 abdominal incision was healing routinely. One mare had abscessed along the celiotomy incision and developed visceral adhesions. Uncomplicated healing of transected mesovarial, mesometrial, and uterine remnants was observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Ovariohysterectomy in horses can be accomplished using HALS technique.


CONCLUSIONS
HALS-OHE technique represents a minimally invasive and technically feasible alternative for conventional OHE. Careful patient selection and preparation may reduce the complications observed. The HALS technique may be useful in other laparoscopic surgical procedures.
Delling
Uta
U
Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA. udelling@vt.edu
Howard
Rick D
RD
Pleasant
R Scott
RS
Lanz
Otto I
OI
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006736:Horses; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D020706:Laparoscopes / Q000662:veterinary*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D010052:Ovariectomy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D011183:Postoperative Complications