Laparoscopic closure of the renosplenic space in standing horses

Objective-To report a technique for laparoscopic ablation of the renospleni c space in standing horses. Study Design-Development of a technique to perform laparoscopic renosplenic space ablation in standing horses. Animals-Five healthy horses, aged 3 to 13 years, weighing 380 to 520 kg. Methods-Horses were restrained in standing stocks and sedated with detomidi ne (0.01 mg/kg intravenously [IV]) and butorphanol (0.01 mg/kg IV). Portal sites in the left paralumbar fossa were infiltrated with 2% mepivacaine. A laparoscopic portal was placed between the 17th and the 18th ribs. Two inst rument portals were located caudal to the 18th rib. Closure of the renosple nic space was accomplished by apposing the dorsomedial splenic capsule to t he dorsal portion of the renosplenic ligament with 1 polyglactin 910 in a c ontinuous pattern. All horses had repeat laparoscopy 3 weeks after initial surgery. Results-Laparoscopic closure of the renosplenic space required 35 minutes ( range, 20-65 minutes) and was successful without intraoperative or postoper ative complications. On laparoscopic reexamination at 3 weeks, there was sm ooth connecting fibrous-like tissue between the dorsal splenic capsule and the dorsal portion of the renosplenic ligament. Conclusions-Laparoscopic closure of the renosplenic space can be efficientl y and safely performed in standing horses. Clinical Relevance-Laparoscopic-assisted closure of the renosplenic space c an be performed in standing horses and may be useful in preventing recurren t incarceration of viscera in this space. (C) Copyright 2001 by The America n College of Veterinary Surgeons.