Evaluation of a vessel-sealing device for laparoscopic granulosa cell tumor removal in standing mares.

This research summarizes the use of a vessel-sealing device called LigaSure for removing granulosa cell tumors from the ovaries of standing mares in a non-invasive, laparoscopic manner.

Methods

• The study was retrospective in nature, focusing on eight mares aged between 8 and 24 years old, with a weight range of 406 to 525 kg.
• Pre-surgery, ultrasound was used to measure the size of the ovary and the thickness of the adjacent body wall.
• The mares were sedated and local anesthesia was applied using an inverted L technique and local infiltration. The laparoscopic cannulation, a process of inserting a surgical instrument into the body, was performed without insufflation or introducing gas into the body cavity.
• Applying anesthesia directly to the mesovarium, which holds the ovary, the LigaSure device was used for resection and hemostasis. The latter is the process of stopping bleeding or preventing the outflow of blood from a wound or body cavity.
• The affected ovary was removed and the mares were hospitalized for 24 hours before discharge.

Results

• The median diameter of the ovarian tumors was 10.5 cm, with a range of 6 to 14 cm.
• The median surgery time was 75 minutes, with the longest surgery taking 180 mins and the shortest 40 mins.
• Successful hemostasis was achieved with the LigaSure device in all beasts.
• The median length of the abdominal wall incision made to remove the ovary was 13 cm, ranging from 5 to 17 cm, without any observed incisional complications.

Conclusions

• The LigaSure technique was found to be effective in providing hemostasis when removing larger ovarian tumors in standing mares.
• Using a LigaSure device may alleviate concerns over the placement of a ligature, a tying or binding material used to control bleeding.
• Moreover, the standing laparoscopic technique provides a clear and comprehensive view of the surgical field, aiding successful and accurate operations with optimal hemostasis.