Laparoscopic techniques for investigating the equine oviduct.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Reproductive Biology
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Oviduct disorders in mares have limited diagnostic and therapeutic options.
• Current procedures necessitate invasive exploratory surgery under general anesthesia or flank laparotomy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a laparoscopic technique for orthograde oviduct flushing in standing, sedated mares.
• To assess the feasibility of both transvaginal and flank laparoscopic approaches for oviduct catheterization and flushing.

Main Methods:

• Two laparoscopic approaches were tested: transvaginal and flank.
• Catheterization of the oviductal ampulla and flushing with sterile methylene blue solution were performed.
• Postoperative hysteroscopy was used to assess fluid passage into the uterus.

Main Results:

• The transvaginal approach allowed visualization but not adequate catheterization or flushing.
• The flank approach successfully catheterized the ampulla in 7 out of 11 mares.
• Fluid was identified in the uterus in 5 of these 7 cases via hysteroscopy.

Conclusions:

• The transvaginal laparoscopic approach is unsuitable for oviductal flushing in mares.
• The laparoscopic flank approach is effective for investigating and flushing the equine oviduct.
• This technique holds potential for diagnosing and treating oviduct disorders, and for assisted reproductive procedures.