Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in horses refers to surgical techniques that limit the size and number of incisions needed to perform procedures. These techniques often involve the use of specialized equipment such as endoscopes, cameras, and instruments designed for precision. MIS aims to reduce tissue trauma, potentially leading to shorter recovery times and decreased post-operative discomfort compared to traditional surgical methods. Common minimally invasive procedures in equine medicine include arthroscopy, laparoscopy, and thoracoscopy, which are used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the methodologies, applications, and outcomes of minimally invasive surgery in equine practice.
Devick IF, Leise BS, Rao S, Hendrickson DA.The cause of transient post-operative pain in a subset of horses undergoing laparoscopy is unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate if residual pneumoperitoneum is associated with transient post-operative pain in mares undergoing ovariectomy. Thirty-eight mares undergoing routine standing laparoscopic ovariectomy were randomly allocated into 2 groups. At the completion of laparoscopy, either the abdominal cavity was actively desufflated or the cannulas were opened to achieve ambient pressure before incisional closure. Assessments were performed for 18 hours after surgery using a va...
Nottrott K, Guio C, Schramme M.We report an unusual case of a young Quarter Horse with a large dental fracture fragment displaced into the maxillary sinus, leaving an oroantral communication that caused food impaction and metaplastic calcification in the sinus and facial deformation with cutaneous fistulation. Oral extraction of a remaining tooth fragment from its alveolus was succeeded by a maxillary sinusotomy for removal of the abnormal sinus contents. Since the oroantral fistula did not heal spontaneously following the placement of a silicone dental prosthesis, minimally invasive transbuccal and transnasal endoscopic ap...
Chu CR, Fortier LA, Williams A, Payne KA, McCarrel TM, Bowers ME, Jaramillo D.Microfracture is commonly performed for cartilage repair but usually results in fibrocartilage. Microfracture augmented by autologous bone marrow concentrate (BMC) was previously shown to yield structurally superior cartilage repairs in an equine model compared with microfracture alone. The current study was performed to test the hypothesis that autologous BMC without concomitant microfracture improves cartilage repair compared with microfracture alone. Methods: Autologous sternal bone marrow aspirate (BMA) was concentrated using a commercial system. Cells from BMC were evaluated for chondroge...
Carmalt JL, Scansen BA.Current treatment of equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) requires daily oral medication. Minimally invasive surgical palliation of this condition is appealing as a single treatment to alleviate the clinical signs of disease, dramatically improving the welfare of the horse. Objective: To develop a surgical approach to the equine pituitary gland, for subsequent treatment of PPID. Methods: A cadaver study to develop methodology and a terminal procedure under anaesthesia in the most promising techniques. Methods: Four surgical approaches to the pituitary gland were investigated in ...
Easley JT, McGilvray KC, Hendrickson DA, Bruemmer J, Hackett ES.To determine the temperature of a vessel sealer and divider device during unilateral paralumbar laparoscopic ovariectomy in standing, sedated mares. Methods: Prospective study. Methods: Fifteen healthy research mares. Methods: Healthy mares with normal ovarian palpation and ultrasonographic appearance were enrolled. Horses were restrained in standing stocks and sedated. A right or left paralumbar ovariectomy was performed with a laparoscopic portal and 2 instrument portals. Ovaries were excised with traumatic forceps and a blunt tip vessel sealer and divider. Temperatures of the vessel sealer ...
Shearer TR, Kinsley MA, Pease AP, Patterson JS.The purpose of this study was to develop a minimally invasive approach to equine cervical articular facet joints for application of an ND:YAG LASER and to evaluate the effects of the laser fiber on the surrounding tissue. Under general anesthesia, an ND:YAG LASER was used to apply 2000 J of energy to 5 cervical articular facet joints in 3 horses (15 joints total). Horses were euthanized and the cervical facets and spinal cords were examined grossly and histologically. Gross pathology of the articular facets revealed evidence of articular cartilage charring and diffuse roughening of the surface...
Sassot LN, Ragle CA, Farnsworth KD, Lund CM.The major objective of this study was to describe the use of morcellation for standing laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy in 30 client-owned horses. A second objective was to describe a laparoscopic-assisted standing scrotal technique for removal of a descended testis in unilateral cryptorchids. Morcellation for extraction of abdominal testes is effective, efficient, and well-tolerated. Morcellation enabled safe and straightforward extraction of testes from the abdomen through an approximately 13- to 20-mm incision using a 2-portal technique. No incisional or morcellator-related complications occu...
Nelson BB, King MR, Frisbie DD.Joint disease and osteoarthritis are common problems in the horse and numerous experimental studies have been developed to determine the safety and efficacy of new therapies. Synovitis, a critical component of joint disease, has been experimentally induced using recombinant interleukin-1 beta (reIL-1β) to investigate new joint therapies in a controlled environment, although the use of reIL-1β has not been reported in the equine tarsocrural joint. A common consequence of performing controlled experiments is that articular tissue collection typically requires general anesthesia or euthanasia. ...
Major DS, Duff AH, Cohen ND, Hardy J.To compare laparoscopic single-layer versus double-layer closure of experimental, full-thickness incisions in adult equine urinary bladders using unidirectional and bidirectional barbed suture. Methods: Experimental, ex vivo, surgical study. Methods: Thirty adult equine cadaver urinary bladders. Methods: Bladders were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 6): intact controls, bladders sutured with unidirectional or bidirectional barbed suture in a single-layer closure, and bladders sutured with unidirectional or bidirectional barbed suture in a double-layer closure. A 5-cm apical incision wa...
Vidovic A, Delling U.Coughing and dysphagia have been described following prosthetic laryngoplasty (LP) with or without ventriculectomy/ventriculocordectomy (VE/VCE) for the treatment of recurrent laryngeal neuropathy. All previous case descriptions include patients with acute onset of clinical signs after surgery that persisted. The authors observed a late-onset of dysphagia and coughing months to years after LP ± VE/VCE. The condition was always associated with an abnormality of the aryepiglottic fold (AEF). Treatment options for those patients are limited. We suggest augmentation of the AEF as treatment for ...
Jones ARE, Ragle CA, Anderson D, Scott C.To evaluate the feasibility and clinical outcomes after laparoscopic evaluation of the small intestines via laparoscopy. Methods: Prospective pilot study. Methods: Healthy adult horses (n = 5). Methods: Horses were restrained in standing stocks and received an infusion of detomidine. One port was placed in the left last intercostal space and 3 ports were placed in the right paralumbar fossa. The small intestine was run with atraumatic laparoscopic grasping forceps, from the duodenocolic plica to the ileocecal plica. Postoperative pain was scored every 4 hours for the first 48 hours. Horses...
Williamson AJ, McKinnon AO.Cystic urolithiasis is the most common form of urolithiasis reported in horses. In contrast to the gelding or stallion, clinical disease is less common in the mare and manual removal techniques are possible because of their shorter, wider urethral anatomy. However, these manual removal techniques can be traumatic and are limited by the size of the urolith. This report describes the use of a commercial laparoscopic specimen pouch to remove a cystic urolith in a mare. Conclusions: This approach may allow the extraction of larger uroliths per urethra in the mare, while affording some protection t...
Ceusters J, Lejeune JP, Sandersen C, Niesten A, Lagneaux L, Serteyn D.Bone marrow and adipose tissue represent the two most commonly exploited sources of adult mesenchymal stem cells for musculoskeletal applications. Unfortunately the sampling of bone marrow and fat tissue is invasive and does not always lead to a sufficient number of cells. The present study describes a novel sampling method based on microbiopsy of skeletal muscle in man, pigs, dogs and horses. The process includes explant of the sample, Percoll density gradient for isolation and subsequent culture of the cells. We further characterized the cells and identified their clonogenic and immunomodula...
Bracamonte JL, Thomas KL.To document laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy with a vessel-sealing device in dorsal recumbent horses. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Forty-three male horses. Methods: Food was withheld for 36 hours before horses were placed under general anesthesia and positioned in dorsal recumbency. One laparoscopic portal and 2 instrument portals were placed for the laparoscopic procedure. A third instrument portal was created in bilateral cryptorchid horses. A vessel-sealing device was used for hemostasis and transection of retained testes. Descended testes were removed via closed castration with pri...
Colbath AC, Hackett ES, Lesser CS, Hendrickson DA.To develop a novel technique for left paralumbar laparoscopic bilateral ovariectomy in standing, sedated mares. Methods: Prospective descriptive clinical study. Methods: Twelve client-owned mares. Methods: Healthy mares with normal ovarian palpation and ultrasonographic appearance were enrolled. Horses were restrained in standing stocks and administered a variable rate infusion of sedation. A left paralumbar bilateral ovariectomy was performed with 1 laparoscopic and 3 instrument portals. Access to the right ovary was facilitated by retracting the descending colon and associated mesentery with...
Espinosa P, Nieto JE, Snyder JR, Galuppo LD, Katzman SA.To describe an ultrasound assisted technique for desmotomy of the palmar/plantar annular ligament (PAL), determine its efficacy and intraoperative complications. Methods: Cadaveric and in vivo study. Methods: Cadaveric limbs (n = 12), adult horses (n = 4), and clinical cases (n = 2). Methods: Ultrasound assisted desmotomy of the palmar/plantar annular ligament (UAD-PAL) was performed in cadaveric limbs and in standing horses with the operated limb placed in a distal limb splint. The procedure was performed under general anesthesia and was followed by tenoscopic examination in 2 cli...
Gandini M, Nannarone S, Giusto G, Pepe M, Comino F, Caramello V, Gialletti R.CASE DESCRIPTION 8 horses (5 geldings and 3 mares) were evaluated for laparoscopic closure of the nephrosplenic space following a history of recurrent left dorsal displacement of the large colon. CLINICAL FINDINGS All horses underwent a physical examination and routine clinicopathologic testing. Transrectal palpation and transabdominal ultrasonography were performed to exclude the presence of organs in the left paralumbar region. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME A left flank laparoscopic approach with the horses standing was used. A continuous suture was placed in a craniocaudal direction between the ren...
Elce YA, Laverty S, Almeida da Silveira E, Piat P, Trencart P, Ruzickova P, Reardon RJ.To estimate the frequency of undetected perforations in surgical gloves during equine surgery and to identify risk factors associated with occurrence. Methods: Observational cohort study. Methods: Surgical gloves-292 pairs. Methods: Water leak tests were performed on gloves after equine surgery to detect perforations. Fifty pairs of unused gloves were also tested. Potential risk factors were recorded. Logistic regression was used to explore associations between putative risk factors and perforation. Results: No perforations were detected in the unused gloves. Of 292 pairs of used gloves tested...
Katzman SA, Vaughan B, Nieto JE, Galuppo LD.OBJECTIVE To evaluate the use of a laparoscopic specimen retrieval pouch for removal of intact or fragmented cystic calculi from standing horses. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 8 horses (5 geldings and 3 mares) with cystic calculi. PROCEDURES Physical examination and cystoscopic, ultrasonographic, and hematologic evaluations of urinary tract function were performed for each horse. A diagnosis of cystic calculus was made on the basis of results of cystoscopy and ultrasonography. Concurrent urolithiasis or other urinary tract abnormalities identified during preoperative evaluation wer...
Albanese V, Hanson RR, McMaster MA, Koehler JW, Caldwell FJ.To evaluate use of a knotless suture for laparoscopic closure of the equine nephrosplenic space. Methods: Experimental in vivo study. Methods: Normal horses without previous history of abdominal surgery (n=8). Methods: The nephrosplenic space was closed under laparoscopic visualization using a unidirectional, barbed 0 metric absorbable suture (copolymer of glycolic acid and trimethylene carbonate). Intracorporeal suturing of the nephrosplenic space was performed in a cranial-to-caudal direction in a simple continuous fashion. Repeat evaluation was performed laparoscopically in 2 horses and by ...
Shrauner B, Blikslager A, Davis J, Campbell N, Law M, Lustgarten M, Prange T.The large size of the adult horse prevents the use of advanced imaging modalities in most areas of the axial skeleton, including the lumbosacral vertebral column. Traditional imaging techniques are frequently unable to pinpoint the underlying pathology in horses with caudal back pain. In man, lumbosacral epiduroscopy is used to diagnose and treat subjects with chronic back and leg pain. This technique may close the diagnostic gap in horses with similar clinical signs. Objective: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of lumbosacral epiduroscopy in the standing adult horse. Methods: Descriptive...
Bracamonte JL, Duke-Novakovski T.This study evaluated the use of an articulating automated suturing device for laparoscopic closure of the nephrosplenic space in standing horses. Closure of the nephrosplenic space was performed in 4 horses using an automated suturing device. Second-look laparoscopy was performed at 5 weeks. A smooth fibrous adhesion formed between the spleen, the perirenal fascia, and the nephrosplenic ligament in 3 of the 4 horses in which the nephrosplenic space was closed using the automated suturing device. In 1 horse, closure of the nephrosplenic space was not possible due to constant breakage of the end...
Ruzickova P, Burns P, Piat P, Frasch MG, Beauchamp G, Elce YA.To compare a knotless, barbed suture to standard suture using laparoscopic suturing methods in an ex vivo model of equine bladder repair. Methods: Cadaveric study. Methods: Equine cadaver bladders (n=42). Methods: A 5-cm incision was created and repaired in a laparoscopic training box with 4 different suture materials. Groups 1 and 2 used 2-0 poliglecaprone and 2-0 glycomer knotless, barbed suture, respectively, placed using laparoscopic instruments. Groups 3 and 4 used 0 and 2-0 polyglyconate knotless, barbed suture, respectively, placed using an automated laparoscopic suturing device. All gr...
Klopfenstein Bregger MD, Fürst AE, Kircher PR, Kluge K, Kummer M.To describe minimally-invasive lag screw osteosynthesis combined with external coaptation for the treatment of Salter-Harris type II third metacarpal and third metatarsal bone fractures. Methods: Three foals aged two weeks to four months with a Salter-Harris type II third metacarpal or third metatarsal fracture. Surgery was carried out under general anaesthesia in lateral recumbency. After fracture reduction, the metaphyseal fragment was stabilized with two cortical screws placed in lag fashion under fluoroscopic control. A cast was applied for at least two weeks. Results: All foals had a good...
Barker WH, Wright IM.A technique for minimally invasive repair of slab fractures of the third tarsal bone has not previously been reported. Results of third tarsal bone slab fracture repair in Thoroughbred racehorses are lacking. Objective: To report the outcomes of repair of uniplanar frontal slab factures of the third tarsal bone using a single 3.5 mm cortex screw in lag fashion. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Case records of horses that had undergone this procedure were reviewed. Results: Seventeen horses underwent surgery. Eighteen percent of cases had wedge shaped third tarsal bones. A point mid...
Elnady FA, Sheta E, Khalifa AK, Rizk H.Endoscopy of the upper respiratory tract (URT) is one of the minimally invasive techniques used for diagnosis and treatment of diseases in horses. Training in the use of an endoscope follows an apprenticeship approach, with extensive practice needed to help achieve effective skills acquisition. The use of live animals for training presents the risk of injury to both the animal and the trainee. The increased number of students and practitioners, a shortage of facilities, and limited time available from expert clinicians add more challenges to the training process. In this work, we focused on th...
Nelson BB, Ragle CA, Barrett MF, Hendrickson DA.An 18-year-old Paint stallion (horse 1) and a 17-year-old Morgan gelding (horse 2) were evaluated because of an acute onset of severe unilateral forelimb lameness. Results: Both horses were unable to bear weight on the affected forelimb and had a dropped elbow appearance. Radial nerve paralysis, triceps myopathy, and fractures of the humerus and ulna were ruled out. The caudal aspect of the affected antebrachium of each horse was very firm to palpation and became firmer when weight was shifted onto the limb. Ultrasonographic examination revealed swelling and suspected intramuscular hemorrhage ...
Kutter AP, Bettschart-Wolfensberger R, Schwarzwald CC, Portier KG, Ringer SK.To evaluate the non-calibrated, minimally invasive cardiac output (CO) monitor FloTrac/Vigileo (FloTrac) against thermodilution (TD) CO in standing horses. Methods: Prospective, experimental trial. Methods: Nine adult horses weighing a median (range) of 535 (470-602) kg. Methods: Catheters were placed in the right atrium, pulmonary artery and carotid artery under local anaesthesia. CO was measured 147 times by TD and FloTrac and indexed to body weight. Changes in CO were achieved with romifidine or xylazine and dobutamine constant rate infusions. Bland-Altman analysis, concordance and polar pl...
Buschmann E, Van Steenkiste G, Vernemmen I, Demeyere M, Schauvliege S, Decloedt A, van Loon G.Myocardial sleeves of the caudal vena cava are the predilection site for atrial tachycardia (AT) in horses. Caudal vena cava isolation guided by the ablation index, a lesion quality marker incorporating power, duration and contact force, might improve outcome. Objective: Describe the feasibility and outcome of caudal vena cava isolation using ablation index-guided radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) to treat AT in horses. Methods: Ten horses with sustained AT. Methods: Records from 10 horses with sustained AT treated by three-dimensional electro-anatomical mapping and ablation index-guided...
Claeys I, Van der Vekens E, Kümmerle J, de Preux M, Koch C.To develop a minimally invasive technique for placing a toggle construct across the coxofemoral joint of small equids using computer-assisted surgery. Methods: Experimental cadaveric study. Methods: Three pilot specimens: One donkey, one Shetland pony and one Warmblood foal. Six main study specimens: Three Shetland ponies, one American Miniature Horse, one Warmblood foal and one donkey. Methods: Experimental surgeries were performed on both coxofemoral joints of each cadaver. Using a minimally invasive surgical approach, 5.5 mm bone canals were drilled through the femur and acetabulum, trave...
Pujol R, De Fourmestraux C, Symoens A, Branchereau J, Tessier C.Surgical approaches to the kidneys and perirenal structures are uncommonly performed in horses and several complications have been described with the current procedures. Objective: To describe the anatomy of the retroperitoneal perirenal space and investigate a retroperitoneal minimally invasive approach to access the kidney and perirenal structures in horses. Methods: Descriptive, cadaveric study. Methods: Anatomical description of the retroperitoneal space was performed on three equine cadavers and the surgical approach was developed based on these dissections. Ten cadaveric horses underwent...
Butt TD, Wilson DG.An 11-year-old Trakehner gelding required 2 ventral midline celiotomies for correction of a large colon volvulus and a large colon displacement, respectively. Laparoscopic colopexy was performed 50 days following the 2nd celiotomy. Delayed laparoscopic colopexy is minimally invasive and does not disrupt the ventral midline incision following abdominal exploration.
Edwards RB, Ducharme NG, Hackett RP.Ruptured bladder was diagnosed in a 90-day-old Thoroughbred colt that had suffered a open, comminuted tibial fracture 2 days earlier. The bladder rupture was identified by laparoscopic examination of the abdomen and was repaired using a laparoscopic stapling instrument. This technique provided good visualization and allowed repair of the rupture with minimal intervention. Ten months after surgery, the foal was admitted to a referral surgical practice because of colic and stanguria. A urinary calculus was removed from the penile urethra by urethrotomy. Laparoscopic repair of the bladder with no...
Couëtil LL, Gallatin LL, Blevins W, Khadra I.A 7-month-old miniature horse was referred for respiratory distress. Tracheal collapse at the level of the thoracic inlet was diagnosed. An intraluminal nitinol stent was placed with endoscopic guidance. Respiratory function was restored immediately after stent placement. The main complication observed during a 14-month follow-up period was growth of granulation tissue through the stent, which was controlled satisfactorily by electrocautery performed during endoscopy with the horse standing. Treatment of tracheal collapse with an intraluminal stent is an effective, practical, and minimally inv...
Heinze H.A method of endoscopic examination of the internal genital (pelvic) organs of the mare is described. Special emphasis is placed on the induction of artificial pneumoperitoneum and the installation of an endoscopic peritoneal fistula device for prolonged observation. The potential of pelviscopy in the mare as a diagnostic aid, a new device for research in equine reproduction and as an auxillary aid to teaching is discussed.
Moll HD, Slone DE, Juzwiak JS, Garrett PD.A diagonal paramedian approach to the abdomen was used for unilateral ovariectomy in 15 mares. In each case, surgery was performed for removal of a granulosa cell tumor. All horses recovered from surgery with minimal complications. Surgical exposure of the affected ovary was adequate to allow exteriorization and ligation. Other advantages of this approach were ease of closure and lack of postsurgical complications.
Caron JP.Laparoscopic techniques for veterinary surgery are growing in popularity for the same reason the use of minimally invasive procedures has increased tremendously in human surgery. Compared with open surgery, the benefits of laparoscopic surgery include smaller incisions, reduced postoperative morbidity and pain, shorter hospitalization, a more rapid return to normal activities, and, in some instances, superior access. Laparoscopic surgery is different from open surgery in equipment/instrumentation and psychomotor skills. This first article in a series on equine laparoscopic surgery introduces t...
Bonomelli N, Bonilla AG.Publications about equine standing surgery are flourishing, however, information regarding its use and prevalence among surgeons is still limited. Objective: To determine the current use and recent trends for equine standing surgery among board certified surgeons and to identify the main reasons and limitations for performing a procedure standing. Methods: Cross-sectional survey. Methods: A 139-item questionnaire was sent by email to 733 large animal surgery Diplomates (ACVS and ECVS) from November 2020 to February 2021. The survey collected demographic information and general data regarding s...
Doran R, Allen D, Gordon B.Ovarian granulosa theca cell tumours were removed surgically in 10 mares. Stapling instruments were used to facilitate haemostasis of the ovarian pedicle in five out of 10 cases and as a sole method of haemostasis in the remaining five cases. Postoperative haemorrhage from the ovarian pedicle was suspected in only one case. All cases survived long term follow-up from six months to four years. Results from this series of cases indicate that stapling instruments provide a rapid, easy and efficient means of ligating ovarian pedicles when performing ovariectomy in the mare.
Romero A, Rodgerson DH, Fontaine GL.A 3-year-old Thoroughbred was presented for evaluation of hematuria post exercise. On physical examination, an enlarged kidney was identified, as well as serum biochemical abnormalities such as an elevated creatine kinase (CK) and hypoalbuminemia. The kidney was removed laparoscopically and a nephroblastoma was identified. Un Thoroughbred âgé de 3 ans est présenté pour évaluation de l’hématurie après l’effort. À l’examen physique, un rein enflé est identifié ainsi que des anomalies biochimiques sériques comme une créatine kinase (CK) élevée et l’hypoalbuminémie. Le rein...
Espinosa P, Nieto JE, Snyder JR, Galuppo LD, Katzman SA.To describe an ultrasound assisted technique for desmotomy of the palmar/plantar annular ligament (PAL), determine its efficacy and intraoperative complications. Methods: Cadaveric and in vivo study. Methods: Cadaveric limbs (n = 12), adult horses (n = 4), and clinical cases (n = 2). Methods: Ultrasound assisted desmotomy of the palmar/plantar annular ligament (UAD-PAL) was performed in cadaveric limbs and in standing horses with the operated limb placed in a distal limb splint. The procedure was performed under general anesthesia and was followed by tenoscopic examination in 2 cli...
Rose PL, Penninck D.Intraoperative ultrasonography was used in six horses to aid localization and removal of bone fragments (3 horses) and foreign bodies (3 horses). The ultrasound transducer was enclosed in a sterile sleeve containing sterile aqueous gel and the examination was performed after aseptic preparation of the surgical site. Using ultrasound guidance a needle was placed in contact with the bone fragment or foreign body and an incision was made along the path of the needle to expose and remove the object. This technique resulted in decreased operative time and minimal tissue dissection.
Panizzi L, Barber SM, Lang HM, Allen AL, Woodbury MR.To evaluate a minimally invasive technique for arthrodesis of the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint in horses. Methods: Experimental study. Methods: Healthy horses (n=6). Methods: A 5.5 mm, 3-drill tract arthrodesis technique was evaluated in 1 randomly selected CMC joint in each of 6 normal horses. Peak vertical ground reaction force (GRF) values were recorded before surgery and at 6, 8, and 12 months thereafter. Radiographic and clinical lameness scores were assigned at regular intervals until 12 months after surgery when the horses were euthanatized. Gross and histologic examinations were perfo...
Hendrickson DA.Equine surgery continues to benefit from advances in endoscopic surgical techniques. Much of what we have learned in equine endoscopy comes from techniques used in humans. Descriptions of the normal anatomy of the standing horse and advances in instrumentation have improved our ability to perform laparoscopic surgery in standing and dorsally recumbent horses. This article describes the history of laparoscopy and available instrumentation.
Bleyaert HF, Brown MP, Bonenclark G, Bailey JE.The purpose of this report was to describe the use of laparoscopy as a method of treatment for abdominal adhesions in the horse. Methods: Unilateral ovariectomy for removal of a granulosa cell tumor was performed through a diagonal paramedian approach in a 14-year-old Arabian mare. Progressive incisional swelling and hemorrhage culminated in acute incisional dehiscence with herniation of ileum on the sixth postoperative day. Septic peritonitis that responded to parenteral antibiotic therapy was identified 7 days after hernia repair. Seven days later, the mare had signs of abdominal pain, and a...
Pouyet M, G Bonilla A.To describe the technique, experience, and limitations of using a 2-mm flexible endoscope to perform standing minimally invasive sinoscopy. Methods: In phases 1 and 2, we used cadaveric heads (ex vivo). In phase 3, we used unaffected horses (in vivo). Methods: Five cadaveric equine skulls in phase 1 and 10 cadaveric equine skulls in phase 2. Six horses older than 5 years in phase 3. Methods: In phase 1, the specimens were used to determine the suitability of the endoscope for sinoscopy and the ideal landmarks to approach the paranasal sinuses through minisinusotomies performed with a 14 gaug...
Richardson DW.A technique involving internal fixation guided by arthroscopy was used to repair third carpal slab fractures in 23 horses. The technique allowed good reduction and compression of the fractures, with minimal surgical trauma. Ten of 17 horses with a 6-month or longer follow-up have returned to race successfully.
Dougherty SS, Palmer JL.A 4-year-old horse was evaluated for chronic coughing, mucopurulent nasal discharge, and failure to thrive. Results: Endoscopy was performed on the larynx, pharynx, and trachea and revealed an approximately 2-cm fluctuant subepiglottic cyst. Results: The subepiglottic cyst was treated with intralesional formalin administration. Following 2 injections, 2 weeks apart, the cyst was completely resolved with no evidence of scarring or epiglottic deformity. Conclusions: Findings suggest that intralesional formalin administration for treatment of subepiglottic cysts may be a minimally invasive, econo...
Fubini SL, Delco M.Urinary surgery in the horse may be challenging. More straightforward procedures, such as urinary bladder or urachal defects, do not usually require specialized equipment or imaging, although laboratory work is helpful. Congenital or acquired conditions of the ureters or kidneys may necessitate advanced diagnostic work-ups including advanced imaging /or and minimally invasive procedures. Some surgery of the lower urinary tract is done in the sedated, standing adult horse. Surgery involving the kidney typically requires general anesthesia. Laparoscopy and associated tools are frequently used. A...
Trotter GW, McIlwraith CW.Surgical procedures completed under arthroscopic guidance have become commonplace in many equine practices and have largely replaced surgery using arthrotomy incisions. With a limited amount of equipment, numerous diagnostic and surgical procedures can be completed. Surgeons need to become familiar with regional and intraarticular (intrasynovial) anatomy to ensure that proper surgical approaches are used, access to the lesion will be realized, and potential complications will be minimized. Specialized motorized instruments and surgical lasers are now available and may be useful in the treatmen...
Pader K, Lescun TB, Freeman LJ.To develop and assess the feasibility of standing transvaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES®) ovariectomy in the mare. Methods: Descriptive study. Methods: Mares (n=10). Methods: The technique was developed in 6 mares and then evaluated in a short-term study in 4 mares. Abdominal access was developed using controlled access vaginal cannula placement under endoscopic guidance. With viewing provided by a flexible endoscope, hemostasis, and transection of ovarian pedicles was performed using a customized bipolar vessel-sealing device. The ovaries were retrieved and the ...
Ragle CA, Southwood LL, Schneider RK.Epigastric vessels were inadvertently injured during placement of instrument portals in 3 horses undergoing laparoscopy for bilateral cryptorchidectomy, bilateral ovariectomy, and removal of electrode wires surgically implanted in the large colon. The resulting hemorrhage increased surgery time, caused hematoma formation or hemoperitoneum, and obscured the surgical field. Hemostasis was achieved by direct pressure or vessel ligation. This complication can be attributed to the high degree of vascularity of the ventral aspect of the abdominal wall.
Katzman SA, Vaughan B, Nieto JE, Galuppo LD.OBJECTIVE To evaluate the use of a laparoscopic specimen retrieval pouch for removal of intact or fragmented cystic calculi from standing horses. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 8 horses (5 geldings and 3 mares) with cystic calculi. PROCEDURES Physical examination and cystoscopic, ultrasonographic, and hematologic evaluations of urinary tract function were performed for each horse. A diagnosis of cystic calculus was made on the basis of results of cystoscopy and ultrasonography. Concurrent urolithiasis or other urinary tract abnormalities identified during preoperative evaluation wer...
Baker SJ, Gerring EL.Intragastric pH monitoring was investigated in ponies. In cadaver stomachs, close contact with the mucosa led to high pH readings if nonweighted electrodes were used. However, pH recorded by weighted electrodes was markedly less affected by mucosal contact (P < 0.001). The latter were used for subsequent trials. In vivo, high correlations were found between pH recorded by weighted electrodes with or without a wire guard to prevent mucosal contact (correlation, r = 0.866; P < 0.001). Readings from each correlated well with those from simultaneous gastric aspirates (r = 0.774 and r = 0.807...
Heaton K, Farnsworth KD, Souza CRS, Jones ARE. This report describes the use of a minimally invasive standing pastern arthrodesis technique for the treatment of osteoarthritis in horses and documents its clinical outcome in 12 horses. Methods: Medical records and radiographs of horses diagnosed with proximal interphalangeal joint osteoarthritis that underwent standing pastern arthrodesis using transarticular screws were reviewed. Follow-up information for determination of outcome was obtained via phone interview with the owners. Results: Twelve horses (15 limbs) were included in the study. Radiographical findings revealed severe o...
Klohnen A, Wilson DG.Nonstrangulating indirect scrotal hernias were corrected in two 4-week-old Percheron foals by a laparoscopic technique. After laparoscopic reduction of herniated nonstrangulated small intestine each testes was retracted through the vaginal ring. The ligament of the tail of the epididymis was transected by electrocautery. The testicular vessels and nerves were isolated by cautery of the mesenteric portion of the mesorchium and then ligated. Staples were used to close the opening of the inguinal canal by apposing the peritoneal edges of the vaginal ring. Resection of umbilical stalk remnants via...
Andritzky J, Rossol M, Lischer C, Auer JA.To compare the precision obtained with computer-assisted screw insertion for treatment of mid-sagittal articular fractures of the distal phalanx (P3) with results achieved with a conventional technique. Methods: In vitro experimental study. Methods: Thirty-two cadaveric equine limbs. Methods: Four groups of 8 limbs were studied. Either 1 or 2 screws were inserted perpendicular to an imaginary axial fracture of P3 using computer-assisted surgery (CAS) or conventional technique. Screw insertion time, predetermined screw length, inserted screw length, fit of the screw, and errors in placement wer...
Recknagel S, Nicke M, Schusser GF.To evaluate the diagnostic value of peritoneal fluid (PF) cytology for clinical diagnosis of abdominal neoplasia in horses. Methods: Ten horses with histopathologically confirmed abdominal neoplasia, in which a PF analysis was performed, were included in this retrospective study. PF was analyzed for total protein concentration and a nucleated cell count was performed. Using cytological criteria of malignancy, the PF samples were evaluated regarding their probability of malignancy. Results: Cytologic classification of cells according to criteria of malignancy allowed a positive cytologic diagno...
