Laparoscopic ovariectomy using sequential electrocoagulation and sharp transection of the equine mesovarium

Objective-To describe in horses and ponies a laparoscopic ovariectomy techn ique facilitated by electrosurgical instrumentation. Study Design-Elective ovariectomy was performed in 23 mares using laparosco pic electrosurgical instrumentation. Animals or Sample Population-Twenty-three mares (13 horses, 10 ponies), age d from 2 to 21 years and weighing 90 to 545 kg. Methods-Food was withheld for a minimum of 12 hours. Mares were sedated wit h detomidine hydrochloride (0.02 to 0.03 mg/kg) or xylazine hydrochloride ( 0.5 to 1.0 mg/kg). Excluding the pony mares, all other mares were restraine d in stocks. Portal sites in the paralumbar fossa region were desensitized with 2% mepivacaine. Abdominal insufflation was achieved through a teat can nula positioned in the ventral abdomen or a Verres-type needle placed throu gh the paralumbar fossa. After trocar and laparoscope insertion, the ipsila teral ovary and mesovarium were identified, and the mesovarium, tubal membr ane, and proper ligament were infiltrated with 2% mepivacaine. The mesovari um was coagulated using bipolar or monopolar electrosurgical forceps and tr ansected sequentially from cranial to caudal until the ovary was completely freed and then removed. The contralateral ovary was removed in a similar f ashion through the opposite paralumbar fossa. Results-Bipolar and monopolar electrosurgical forceps were easy to use and provided adequate coagulation of vessels within the mesovarium. Two mares w ere euthanatized after the procedure for unrelated reasons. One mare had mi ld signs of colic 24 hours after ovariectomy. In 1 pony mare, the incision used to remove one ovary dehisced on the 5th postoperative day and was allo wed to heal by second-intention. No long-term complications had occurred in 11 horses and 10 ponies, 6 to 24 months after surgery. Conclusion-Laparoscopic ovariectomy and hemostasis of the mesovarium can be easily accomplished using electrosurgical instrumentation. Clinical Relevance Standing laparoscopic ovariectomy, using electrosurgical instrumentation, is an effective and safe technique to provide hemostasis of the mesovarium in mares. (C) Copyright 2001 by The American College of V eterinary Surgeons.