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Published on: May 10, 2024
Morcellation for testes extraction in horses undergoing standing laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy
Lucas Nolazco Sassot1, Claude A Ragle1, Kelly D Farnsworth1
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164, USA (Nolazco Sassot, Ragle, Farnsworth); Lund Equine, 7612 Hwy 312, Billings, Montana 59105, USA (Lund).
Morcellation is an effective technique for standing laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy in horses, allowing safe testicular extraction. A laparoscopic-assisted scrotal technique also proved safe for descended testes removal in unilateral cryptorchids.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Surgery
- Equine Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Techniques
Background:
- Cryptorchidism is a common condition in horses requiring surgical intervention.
- Standing laparoscopic techniques offer advantages for equine surgery.
- Testicular removal can be challenging, especially in cases of cryptorchidism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the efficacy of morcellation for standing laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy in horses.
- To detail a laparoscopic-assisted standing scrotal technique for descended testis removal in unilateral cryptorchids.
Main Methods:
- Standing laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy using morcellation in 30 horses.
- Laparoscopic-assisted standing scrotal orchioectomy for descended testes in unilateral cryptorchids.
- Evaluation of technique safety, efficiency, and complication rates.
Main Results:
- Morcellation enabled effective, efficient, and well-tolerated extraction of abdominal testes via a 13-20 mm incision.
- No incisional or morcellator-related complications were observed with morcellation.
- The laparoscopic-assisted scrotal technique allowed for secure hemostasis and tension-free removal of descended testes without intra-operative or incisional complications.
Conclusions:
- Morcellation is a safe and effective method for extracting testes during standing laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy in horses.
- The described laparoscopic-assisted standing scrotal technique is a viable option for descended testis removal in unilateral cryptorchids.
