Hand-assisted laparoscopic left nephrectomy in standing horses.
Abstract: To describe a hand-assisted, laparoscopic technique to remove the left kidney in standing horses. Methods: Prospective evaluation. Methods: Eight horses. Methods: Food was withheld for a minimum of 12 hours. Horses were sedated with detomidine hydrochloride (0.01-0.02 mg/kg, intravenously) and restrained in standing stocks. The left paralumbar fossa was prepared for surgery, and the surgical site was infiltrated with 2% mepivacaine. Hand-assisted, laparoscopic removal of the left kidney was performed through an incision in the center of the paralumbar fossa; the surgeon's hand was used to isolate the left kidney and associated vasculature. The renal artery and vein were isolated and individually ligated. After vessel transection distal to the ligatures, the left kidney was exteriorized, the ureter ligated and transected, and the incision closed. Results: Laparoscopic removal of the left kidney was successfully performed in all horses. Retroperitoneal infiltration of local anesthesia provided adequate anesthesia. Intraoperative hemorrhage occurred in 3 horses. Surgical duration (initial skin incision to transection of the left kidney) ranged from 20 to 90 minutes. In 2 horses, no signs of pain were noted for 48 hours postoperatively. Conclusions: Hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery can be used for removal of the left kidney in horses. Clinical Relevance-Hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy can be safely performed in standing horses; however, care should be taken to identify accessory branches of the renal artery to limit potential complications with hemorrhage.
Copyright 2003 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Publication Date: 2003-06-05 PubMed ID: 12784196DOI: 10.1053/jvet.2003.50028Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Evaluation Study
- Journal Article
Summary
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The research paper discusses a new technique involving a minimally invasive procedure, or laparoscopic nephrectomy, to safely remove the left kidney of horses, with the aid of a surgeon’s hand.
Objective of the Study
- The main objective of the study was to describe a new method that combines the use of hands and laparoscopy to perform a left nephrectomy (kidney removal) on horses while they stand.
Methods Used
- The study involved eight horses, who had food withheld for at least 12 hours prior to surgery.
- Each horse was sedated and restrained in standing stocks, and the left paralumbar fossa (a region on the lower back of the horse) was prepared for surgery.
- The surgical site was numbed with local anesthesia, and a hand-assisted laparoscopic technique was used to isolate the left kidney and the connected vasculature. The renal artery and vein were then singled out and ligated.
- After the kidney was brought out, the ureter was ligated and cut, and the surgical wound closed.
Results of the Study
- The study was successful in that all horses underwent the laparoscopic removal of the left kidney. The use of retroperitoneal local anesthesia provided sufficient numbness during the operation.
- Intraoperative bleeding occurred in three horses. The operation duration, from the initial skin cut to the removal of the left kidney, ranged between 20 to 90 minutes.
- In two of the cases, the horses exhibited no signs of pain for 48 hours post-operation.
Study Conclusion
- The study concludes that a hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery is a viable method for the removal of the left kidney in horses.
- Despite the success, the study also emphasized caution during the procedure, calling for careful identification of accessory branches of the renal artery to prevent possible complications like excessive bleeding.
Clinical Relevance
- The study’s results have clinical relevance as this new and minimally invasive method paves the way for safer and more effective removal of the left kidney in horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Keoughan CG, Rodgerson DH, Brown MP.
(2003).
Hand-assisted laparoscopic left nephrectomy in standing horses.
Vet Surg, 32(3), 206-212.
https://doi.org/10.1053/jvet.2003.50028 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610-0136, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Female
- Horse Diseases / surgery
- Horses / surgery
- Kidney Diseases / surgery
- Kidney Diseases / veterinary
- Laparoscopy / methods
- Laparoscopy / veterinary
- Male
- Nephrectomy / methods
- Nephrectomy / veterinary
- Posture
- Prospective Studies
Citations
This article has been cited 6 times.- Saitua A, Sanchez de Medina A, Bulnes F, Buzon A, Miraz R, Argüelles D, Diez de Castro E. Urogenital surgery in foals. Front Vet Sci 2025;12:1520491.
- Cerullo A, Gandini M, Giusto G. Occurrence and Definitions of Intra and Postoperative Complications Related to Laparoscopy in Equids: A Scoping Review. Vet Sci 2022 Oct 17;9(10).
- Straticò P, Guerri G, Palozzo A, Varasano V, Petrizzi L. Current Use of Equine Laparoscopy in Urogenital Disorders: A Scoping Review of the Literature from 2000 to 2021. Vet Sci 2022 Jan 22;9(2).
- Merchan A, Barrett EJ, Rodgerson DH. Hand-assisted laparoscopic cystotomy for cystic calculus removal in male horses (3 cases). Can Vet J 2021 Jan;62(1):22-26.
- Hendrickson DA. A review of equine laparoscopy. ISRN Vet Sci 2012;2012:492650.
- Romero A, Rodgerson DH, Fontaine GL. Hand-assisted laparoscopic removal of a nephroblastoma in a horse. Can Vet J 2010 Jun;51(6):637-9.
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