title: Laparoscopic sterilization of the African Lioness (Panthera leo).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe laparoscopic ovariectomy and salpingectomy in the African lioness (Panthera leo).
  
  
  METHODS
  Descriptive clinical study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Female lions (n = 16).
  
  
  METHODS
  Lionesses were randomly divided into 2 groups: O = ovariectomy (n = 8) and S = salpingectomy (n = 8) for laparoscopic surgery. Two Veress needle placement techniques were used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Laparoscopic ovariectomy and salpingectomy were performed without complications. The poorly developed mesosalpinx and ovarian bursa rendered the uterine tube more accessible for salpingectomy compared to the dog making the procedure easier in the lioness. Similarly, salpingectomy is a relatively easier procedure compared with ovariectomy especially when the modified Hasson technique for Veress needle placement is used.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laparoscopic ovariectomy and salpingectomy can be safely performed in the African lioness.
authors.affiliation: Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa. marthinus.hartman@up.ac.za
authors.forename: Marthinus J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Hartman
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Monnet
authors.forename: Robert M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Kirberger
authors.forename: Leon J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Venter
authors.forename: Lynette
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bester
authors.forename: Martin L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Schulman
authors.forename: Tania
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Serfontein
authors.forename: Retha
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fourie
authors.forename: Johan P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Schoeman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D008045:Lions / Q000601:surgery*; D010052:Ovariectomy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D058994:Salpingectomy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*