Standing hand-assisted laparoscopic ovariectomy in 65 mares
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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
Reproductive Techniques for Ovarian Monitoring and Control in Amphibians
Published on: May 12, 2019
Jacob T Goodin1, Dwayne H Rodgerson, Jorge H Gomez
1Davidson Surgery Center, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Lexington, KY, USA. jgoodin@svm.vetmed.wisc.edu
Objective:
To review the efficacy and safety of unilateral ovariectomy by use of a standing hand-assisted laparoscopic approach and evaluate the effect of ovary size on posttransection hemorrhage after application of a linear stapling device.
Study Design:
Case series.
Animals:
Horses (n=65) aged 2-20 years.
Methods:
Medical records of mares that had ovariectomy performed by use of a standing hand-assisted laparoscopic approach were reviewed. Data retrieved were signalment, ovary removed (left, right), ovarian size, ovarian pathology, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and length of hospitalization.
Results:
Mean ovarian diameter was 17 cm. Histopathology (52 mares) confirmed 41 granulosa cell tumors (79%), 8 ovarian cysts (15%), 1 teratoma (2%), and 2 ovaries (4%) without abnormalities. Hemorrhage was observed laparoscopically in 16 mares after transection of the mesovarium. Complications encountered during surgery included 1 mare collapsing in the stocks and 1 mare that hemorrhaged excessively from the incision. Postoperative complications included 2 cases of mild colic. Overall complication rate was 6%.
Conclusions:
All attempts to remove the target ovary were successful. The approach is safe for the mare, as complications encountered were similar to those recently reported for other approaches.
