Intracorporeal suture closure of the internal inguinal and vaginal rings in foals and horses.

The research article presents a new technique to prevent or repair inguinal hernias in horses and foals by closing the internal inguinal and vaginal rings using intracorporeal sutures. The method proved effective with no reported recurrences, minimal postoperative reactions, and beneficial cosmetic results comparable to conventional techniques.

Technique Description

• The authors report implementing the use of intracorporeal suture closure of the internal inguinal and vaginal rings which is a technique used to repair or prevent the occurrence of inguinal hernia in horses.
• The study took place on both foals and gelding horses who were the subjects of the surgery.
• In order for the surgical procedure to take place, a peri-umbilical telescope portal had to be selected, from there instrument portals were made either unilaterally or bilaterally depending on the individual case needs.

Procedure Implementation

• Once the portals were in place, the herniated viscera were reduced.
• After reduction, castration was performed on the foals, while in the adults the spermatic cord remnant was dissected at the internal inguinal ring.
• To finish off the surgical procedure, intracorporeal sutures of synthetic absorbable material were used to close the internal inguinal and vaginal rings.

Results of The Study

• The research revealed that this technique was successful as there were no recurrences of inguinal hernia post surgery.
• Additionally, the postoperative issues were minimal indicating that the surgery had little adverse impact on the animals. The cosmetic outcome was comparable to traditionally applied surgical techniques, marking a positive stride in animal cosmetic surgery.
• The study concludes that Laparoscopic, primary closure of the internal inguinal ring by use of intracorporeal sutures provides a safe and secure barrier to herniation.
• It was also observed that the cost of the procedure was substantially less compared to the use of endoscopic staples.

Conclusion of The Study

• This research concluded that laparoscopic suture closure of the internal inguinal and vaginal rings is a safe and effective method to repair inguinal hernia in horses.
• It also highlighted the economic benefit by reducing the cost substantially compared to traditional methods.