title: Two-step surgery combining standing laparoscopy with recumbent ventral median celiotomy for removal of enlarged pathologic ovaries in 20 mares.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report a combination of standing laparoscopic technique for intra-abdominal dissection of the mesovarial pedicle followed by a limited ventral median celiotomy under general anesthesia for removal of enlarged ovaries in mares.
  
  
  METHODS
  Case series.
  
  
  METHODS
  Mares (n = 20) aged 3-22 years with unilateral enlarged ovaries.
  
  
  METHODS
  Enlarged ovaries were confirmed by transrectal palpation and ultrasonography. After sedation, 3 laparoscopic portals were made in the paralumbar fossa. The mesovarium was desensitized and dissected using a vessel sealing device, and the ovary was left free in the abdomen. Then under general anesthesia, the mare was positioned in dorsal recumbency and an 8 cm ventral median celiotomy made for ovary retrieval in a specimen bag.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This 2-step procedure was successfully used for removal enlarged ovaries (12-50 cm) in 17 mares and for management of behavioral problems in 3 mares. No operative or postoperative complications occurred. Owner satisfaction and cosmesis were considered excellent.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Standing laparoscopy combined with a limited median celiotomy is a safe technique for ovariectomy in mares. This technique mitigates most of the disadvantages of standing flank ovariectomy and a conventional open ventral median approach.
authors: Clinique vétérinaire de Grosbois, Boissy St Léger, France; École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France.
authors: Amélie
authors: A
authors: Vitte
authors: Fabrice
authors: F
authors: Rossignol
authors: Céline
authors: C
authors: Mespoulhes-Rivière
authors: Antoine
authors: A
authors: Lechartier
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Röecken
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen / Q000601:surgery; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006736:Horses; D007813:Laparotomy / Q000662:veterinary; D010049:Ovarian Diseases / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D010052:Ovariectomy / Q000662:veterinary*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000662:veterinary; D011187:Posture; D016896:Treatment Outcome