LAPAROSCOPIC SALPINGECTOMY IN TWO CAPTIVE LEOPARDS (PANTHERA PARDUS) USING A SINGLE PORTAL ACCESS SYSTEM

Area of Science:

• Veterinary surgery
• Minimally invasive procedures in wildlife

Background:

• Laparoscopic salpingectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterine tubes.
• Minimally invasive techniques are increasingly being explored for wildlife conservation and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic salpingectomy in leopards (Panthera pardus) using a single portal access system.
• To assess the accessibility of the uterine tube in leopards for salpingectomy via minimally invasive surgery.

Main Methods:

• Laparoscopic salpingectomy was performed on two adult leopards.
• A multicannulated single-incision laparoscopic surgery port was utilized for the procedure.
• Surgical access and technique were documented.

Main Results:

• The laparoscopic salpingectomy was completed without any intraoperative or postoperative complications.
• The poorly developed ovarian bursa in leopards facilitated straightforward access to the uterine tube.
• The single portal access system proved effective for the procedure.

Conclusions:

• Laparoscopic salpingectomy is a safe and feasible surgical option for leopards.
• Single-incision laparoscopic surgery is a viable minimally invasive approach for salpingectomy in this species.
• The anatomical features of leopards support the use of this technique.