Laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy using a resorbable self-locking loop device in dorsally recumbent horses

To report the use and feasibility of a self-locking resorbable loop device for cryptorchidectomy.

Clinical prospective study.

Twenty horses.

Horses suspected to have an abdominal testicle/s after admission work-up were enrolled. Horses were anesthetized in dorsal recumbency and a standard laparoscopic technique was performed. The looped device was inserted into the abdomen, glided around the testis/cord and tightened. Then, the spermatic cord was transected prior testis removal. Surgical procedure details and remarks, perioperative complications and total surgical time were recorded. Short- (>3 weeks) and long-term (>6 months) follow-ups were obtained by telephone questionnaire.

Median total surgical time was 67 min (range: 43-189 min) and significantly shortened after the first four horses. The loop device was easily glided around 13/20 abdominal testes and required more time and technical skills around larger testes (≥3 years). Excellent intraoperative hemostasis was achieved in 17 horses. Three horses demonstrated mild intraoperative bleeding that required retightening, device replacement or adding a second device, respectively. Three horses developed mild postoperative hemoabdomen identified ultrasonographically and were successfully managed medically. Follow-up revealed no significant complications related to the procedure. One horse was euthanized for colic 4 months after surgery and one died of hemolytic shock 17 months postoperatively.

This device represents another method to perform equine cryptorchidectomy that requires minimal training and laparoscopic expertise but demands knowledge of the device and application to prevent complications.

Laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy using this device is an alternative technique for horses <3 years.