Two-step surgery combining standing laparoscopy with recumbent ventral median celiotomy for removal of enlarged pathologic ovaries in 20 mares
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Updated: Apr 27, 2026

Laparoscopic Oocyte Retrieval and Cryopreservation during Vaginoplasty for Treatment of Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome
Published on: May 10, 2022
Amélie Vitte1, Fabrice Rossignol, Céline Mespoulhes-Rivière
1Clinique vétérinaire de Grosbois, Boissy St Léger, France; École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France.
Objectives:
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.
Study Design:
Case series.
Animals:
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.

