Standing hand-assisted laparoscopic ovariectomy in 65 mares

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Surgery
• Equine Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Ovariectomy is a common surgical procedure in mares.
• Standing laparoscopic approaches offer potential benefits over traditional methods.
• Evaluating safety and efficacy of standing hand-assisted laparoscopic ovariectomy is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy and safety of unilateral ovariectomy using a standing hand-assisted laparoscopic approach in horses.
• To investigate the correlation between ovarian size and post-transection hemorrhage after using a linear stapling device.

Main Methods:

• A case series review of 65 mares (aged 2-20 years) undergoing standing hand-assisted laparoscopic ovariectomy.
• Data collected included signalment, ovary removed, ovarian size, pathology, intraoperative/postoperative complications, and hospitalization duration.
• Ovarian size was measured, and hemorrhage after mesovarium transection with a linear stapler was evaluated.

Main Results:

• Mean ovarian diameter was 17 cm; 79% of ovaries removed were granulosa cell tumors.
• Overall complication rate was 6%, including minor intraoperative and postoperative issues.
• Hemorrhage occurred laparoscopically in 16 mares post-transection; ovarian size did not appear to be a significant factor.

Conclusions:

• Standing hand-assisted laparoscopic ovariectomy is a successful and safe approach for mares.
• The complication rate is comparable to other reported surgical methods.
• This minimally invasive technique provides an effective option for equine ovariectomy.