Dh. Rodgerson et al., Laparoscopic ovariectomy using sequential electrocoagulation and sharp transection of the equine mesovarium, VET SURGERY, 30(6), 2001, pp. 572-579
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.