title: Evaluation and comparative analysis of a technique for laparoscopic ovariectomy in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta).
abstract: Surgical ovariectomy is commonly performed to support studies involving the rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta). Traditionally, these procedures have been performed via laparotomy. We developed a laparoscopic approach to reduce surgical pain, decrease convalescence times, and reduce the total number of animals necessary to obtain valuable scientific data in studies requiring repeated intra-abdominal access in conjunction with ovariectomy. We used our new technique to perform laparoscopic ovariectomy on 8 adult female rhesus macaques; 2 additional animals underwent ovariectomy via laparotomy; data for these prospective groups were compared with retrospective data from conventionally ovariectomized macaques. The surgical time (ST; mean +/- standard error) for the laparoscopic procedures was 68 +/- 3 min, with a return-to-group time (RTG) of 8 +/- 1 d. In comparison, ST for the retrospective group was 54 +/- 3 min, with a mean RTG of 33 +/- 5 d (range, 15 to 60 d). ST differed significantly between groups. ST for the laparoscopic procedure was longer (mean difference, 14 min; 95% confidence interval, 6 to 21 min), but laparotomized animals consistently had higher RTG (6 d for the prospective group [n = 2] and 25 d for the retrospective group [n = 9]). All study animals had estradiol levels of less than 5.6 pg/ml at 6 mo after surgery. We therefore conclude that laparoscopic ovariectomy of rhesus macaques is a safe and effective technique that may reduce postoperative recovery times.
authors.affiliation: Veterinary Department, The Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA. drmatchett@bellsouth.net
authors.forename: C Andrew
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Matchett
authors.forename: Pablo R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Morales
authors.forename: Jack L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Orkin
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D008253:Macaca mulatta; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D010052:Ovariectomy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D011184:Postoperative Period; D013997:Time Factors