Bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomy in standing mares: 22 cases

Objective-To describe a technique for laparoscopic bilateral ovariectomy in standing mores and report the outcome of 22 clinical cases. Study Design-Prospective study. Animals or Sample Population-A total of 22 mares between 4 and 23 years of age, weighing between 360 and 600 kg. Methods-Mares with normal ovaries, as determined by palpation per rectum, w ere restrained in standing stocks and sedated with detomidine (0.01 to 0.02 mg/kg intravenously [IV]) and butorphanol (0.01 to 0.02 mg/kg TV). The lap aroscope and instrument insertion sites were infiltrated with 2% lidocaine before incision. One laparoscope portal and two instrument portals were loc ated in each paralumbar fossa. Ovariectomy was accomplished by intracorpore al dissection and ligation of the ovarian pedicles. The two instrument port als in each flank were ultimately connected resulting in a 4 to 5 cm laparo tomy to facilitate ovarian removal. Results-No major operative or postoperative complications occurred. Minor c omplications included incomplete hemostasis of an ovarian pedicle with a si ngle ligature (three mares), transient inappetence, pyrexia and incisional infection. Owner satisfaction and cosmetic results were considered excellen t. Conclusions-Standing laparoscopic ovariectomy appears to eliminate many of the potential complications associated with traditional surgical methods fo r ovariectomy and avoids the risk of general anesthesia. Clinical Relevance-This technique requires minimal laparoscopic instrumenta tion and will provide surgeons with an alternative approach for bilateral o variectomy in mares. (C)Copyright 1999 by The American College of Veterinar y Surgeons.