FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 9000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Home / Equine Research Bank / Can Vet J / Laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy in 10 equids using a single i...
The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne2025; 66(9); 966-973;

Laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy in 10 equids using a single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) port device.

Abstract: Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgical techniques are desirable in horses and other equids. A new approach called "modified single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) for equine cryptorchidectomy" is described, along with the postoperative outcomes of 10 equids. A SILS Port device (Covidien) was placed a 30- to 40-millimeter incision in combination with 1 or 2 15-millimeter para-inguinal incisions to exteriorize the intra-abdominal testicles. Ten animals, 2 bilateral abdominal cryptorchid horses and 8 unilateral abdominal cryptorchid equids, underwent cryptorchidectomy using the SILS technique. The median surgical and anesthesia times were 90 min (range: 75 to 135 min) and 150 min (range: 120 to 195 min), respectively. No intraoperative complications occurred. Two cases had transient pyrexia after surgery. No other postoperative complications were recorded. This technique reduced the risk of iatrogenic damage of the gastrointestinal tract, eliminated the need for additional instrument portals, provided an excellent maintenance of the pneumoperitoneum, and allowed easy testicle removal. None of the animals in the study developed postoperative emphysema. Key clinical message: The modified SILS technique was an effective approach for testicle removal in abdominal cryptorchids that did not result in any complications in the cases presented. Cryptorchidectomie laparoscopique chez 10 équidés à l’aide d’un dispositif de chirurgie laparoscopique à incision unique (SILS)Les techniques chirurgicales laparoscopiques mini-invasives sont souhaitables chez les chevaux et autres équidés. Une nouvelle approche appelée « chirurgie laparoscopique à incision unique modifiée (SILS) pour la cryptorchidectomie équine » est décrite, ainsi que les résultats postopératoires de 10 équidés. Un dispositif de chirurgie laparoscopique à incision unique (Covidien) a été placé par une incision de la ligne blanche de 30 à 40 mm, associée à 1 ou 2 incisions para-inguinales de 15 mm pour extérioriser les testicules intra-abdominaux. Dix animaux, 2 chevaux atteints de cryptorchide abdominale bilatérale et 8 équidés atteints de cryptorchide abdominale unilatérale, ont subi une cryptorchidectomie selon la technique SILS. Les durées médianes de l’intervention chirurgicale et de l’anesthésie étaient respectivement de 90 min (de 75 à 135 min) et de 150 min (de 120 à 195 min). Aucune complication peropératoire n’est survenue. Deux cas ont présenté une pyrexie transitoire après l’intervention. Aucune autre complication postopératoire n’a été constatée. Cette technique a réduit le risque de lésions iatrogènes du tractus gastro-intestinal, éliminé le recours à des voies d’accès supplémentaires pour des instruments, assuré un excellent maintien du pneumopéritoine et facilité l’ablation des testicules. Aucun des animaux de l’étude n’a développé d’emphysème postopératoire.Message clinique clé :La technique SILS modifiée s’est avérée une approche efficace pour l’ablation des testicules chez les cryptorchides abdominaux, sans entraîner de complications dans les cas présentés.(Traduit par D Serge Messier).
Copyright and/or publishing rights held by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2025-09-01 PubMed ID: 40927255PubMed Central: PMC12416111
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • Case Reports
  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Overview of the Research

  • This study describes a minimally invasive single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) technique used for cryptorchidectomy (removal of undescended testicles) in 10 equids (horses and related species).
  • The research evaluates the effectiveness and postoperative outcomes of this surgical method, demonstrating it as a safe and efficient alternative to traditional approaches.

Background and Purpose

  • Cryptorchidism is a condition where one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum, requiring surgical removal to prevent complications.
  • Traditional surgical methods may involve multiple incisions and have higher risks of complications like damage to gastrointestinal structures.
  • The goal was to investigate a modified SILS approach that uses a single port device combined with small para-inguinal incisions to minimize invasiveness and improve safety and recovery.

Methodology

  • Subjects: 10 equids undergoing cryptorchidectomy – 2 bilateral (both testicles undescended) and 8 unilateral (one testicle undescended).
  • Surgical Technique:
    • Use of a SILS Port device (Covidien) inserted through a single 30- to 40-millimeter incision on the white line (midline of the abdomen).
    • One or two additional 15-millimeter incisions made para-inguinally (near the groin) to facilitate the exteriorization of intra-abdominal testicles.
  • Measured parameters included surgical time, anesthesia time, intraoperative and postoperative complications.

Results and Findings

  • The median surgical time was 90 minutes, ranging from 75 to 135 minutes.
  • The median anesthesia time was 150 minutes, ranging from 120 to 195 minutes.
  • No intraoperative complications were recorded during any of the procedures.
  • Postoperative complications were minimal, with only two cases of transient fever (pyrexia) that resolved without further issues.
  • No postoperative emphysema (air trapped under the skin) or other complications occurred.

Advantages of the Modified SILS Technique

  • Reduced risk of iatrogenic (surgery-induced) damage to the gastrointestinal tract, a common concern in equine abdominal surgeries.
  • Elimination of the need for additional instrument portals, simplifying the surgical procedure and reducing invasiveness.
  • Maintained excellent pneumoperitoneum (inflation of the abdominal cavity with gas), critical for clear visualization and maneuverability during laparoscopy.
  • Facilitated the easy exteriorization and removal of intra-abdominal testicles, improving surgical efficiency.
  • Overall, minimized risk and improved postoperative recovery in equids undergoing cryptorchidectomy.

Clinical Significance

  • This modified SILS approach offers an effective, safe, and less invasive alternative to traditional multiple-incision laparoscopic surgeries in equids with abdominal cryptorchidism.
  • It is particularly valuable for equine practitioners seeking to minimize surgical trauma and associated complications.
  • The technique’s success in this study suggests potential for wider adoption in veterinary surgery for cryptorchid horses and possibly other equids.

Cite This Article

APA
Muñoz AM, Cribb N. (2025). Laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy in 10 equids using a single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) port device. Can Vet J, 66(9), 966-973.

Publication

The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne
ISSN: 2819-4403
NlmUniqueID: 0004653
Country: Canada
Language: English
Volume: 66
Issue: 9
Pages: 966-973

Researcher Affiliations

Muñoz, Alejandro Merchán
  • Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1.
Cribb, Nicola
  • Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Laparoscopy / veterinary
  • Laparoscopy / methods
  • Laparoscopy / instrumentation
  • Male
  • Horses
  • Cryptorchidism / veterinary
  • Cryptorchidism / surgery
  • Horse Diseases / surgery
  • Orchiectomy / veterinary
  • Orchiectomy / methods
  • Orchiectomy / instrumentation

References

This article includes 25 references
  1. Hendrickson DA. Standing laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy.. In: Fischer AT, editor. Equine Diagnostic & Surgical Laparoscopy. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Saunders; 2002. pp. 155–161.
  2. Hendrickson DA, Wilson DG. Laparoscopic cryptorchid castration in standing horses.. Vet Surg 1997;26:335–339.
    pubmed: 9232793
  3. Fisher AT. Laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy in the dorsally recumbent horse.. In: Fischer AT, editor. Equine Diagnostic & Surgical Laparoscopy. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Saunders; 2002. pp. 149–154.
  4. Ragle CA, Southwood LL, Howlett MR. Ventral abdominal approach for laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy in horses.. Vet Surg 1998;27:138–142.
    pubmed: 9525029
  5. Bonomelli N, Bonilla AG. Standing surgery among equine Board certified surgeons: Survey regarding current use and trends.. Equine Vet J 2023;55:1045–1057.
    pubmed: 36586731
  6. Coisman JG, Case JB, Shih A, Harrison K, Isaza N, Ellison G. Comparison of surgical variables in cats undergoing single-incision laparoscopic ovariectomy using a LigaSure or extracorporeal suture versus open ovariectomy.. Vet Surg 2014;43:38–44.
    pubmed: 24279460
  7. Runge JJ, Curcillo PG, King SA. Initial application of reduced port surgery using the single port access technique for laparoscopic canine ovariectomy.. Vet Surg 2012;41:803–806.
    pubmed: 22861187
  8. Runge JJ, Mayhew PD, Case JB, Singh A, Mayhew KN, Culp WTN. Single-port laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy in dogs and cats: 25 cases (2009–2014). JAVMA 2014;245:1258–1265.
    pubmed: 25406705
  9. Case JB, Ellison G. Single incision laparoscopic-assisted intestinal surgery (SILAIS) in 7 dogs and 1 cat.. Vet Surg 2013;42:629–634.
    pubmed: 23607662
  10. Finley CJ, Fischer AT. Removal of equine cryptorchid testes through an enlarged umbilical portal in dorsally recumbent horses after intra-abdominal laparoscopic castration.. Equine Vet J 2022;54:703–709.
    pubmed: 34110643
  11. Haider G, Schulz U, Katic N, Peham C, Dupré G. Maneuverability of the scope and instruments within three different single-incision laparoscopic ports: An experimental pilot study.. Animals 2021;11:1242.
    pmc: PMC8145893pubmed: 33925867
  12. Schambourg MA, Farley JA, Marcoux M, Laverty S. Use of transabdominal ultrasonography to determine the location of cryptorchid testes in the horse.. Equine Vet J 2006;38:242–245.
    pubmed: 16706279
  13. Valverde A, Black B, Cribb NC, Hathway A, Daw A. Assessment of unassisted recovery from repeated general isoflurane anesthesia in horses following post-anesthetic administration of xylazine or acepromazine or a combination of xylazine and ketamine.. Vet Anaesth Analg 2013;40:3–12.
    pubmed: 23016627
  14. Cribb A, Koenig J, Sorge U. Comparison of laparoscopic versus conventional open cryptorchidectomies on intraoperative and postoperative complications and duration of surgery, anesthesia, and hospital stay in horses.. JAVMA 2015;246:885–892.
    pubmed: 25835173
  15. Bracamonte JL, Thomas KL. Laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy with a vessel-sealing device in dorsal recumbent horses: 43 cases.. Vet Surg 2017;46:559–565.
    pubmed: 28256727
  16. Motahariasl N, Farzaneh SB, Motahariasl S. Assessment of an articulating laparoscopic needle holder (FlexDexTM) compared to a conventional rigid needle holder in 2-dimension vision amongst novices: A randomised controlled study. Med Devices 2022;15:15–25.
    pmc: PMC8824294pubmed: 35153517
  17. Kennedy JS, Stranahan PL, Taylor KD, Chandler JG. High-burst-strength, feedback-controlled bipolar vessel sealing. Surg Endosc 1998;12:876–878.
    pubmed: 9602010
  18. Hand R, Rakestraw P, Taylor T. Evaluation of a vessel-sealing device for use in laparoscopic ovariectomy in mares. Vet Surg 2002;31:240–244.
    pubmed: 11994851
  19. Schumacher J. Testis. .
  20. Desmaizieres LM, Martinot S, Lepage OM, Bareiss E, Cadore JL. Complications associated with cannula insertion techniques used for laparoscopy in standing horses. Vet Surg 2003;32:501–506.
    pubmed: 14648527
  21. Bonomelli N, Höglund OV, Bonilla AG. Laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy using a resorbable self-locking loop device in dorsally recumbent horses. Vet Surg 2024;53:357–366.
    pubmed: 37463876
  22. Walmsley JP. The Sir Frederick Hobday memorial lecture: Review of equine laparoscopy and an analysis of 158 laparoscopies in the horse. Equine Vet J 1999;31:456–464.
    pubmed: 10596925
  23. Latimer FG, Eades SC, Pettifer G, Tetens J, Hosgood G, Moore RM. Cardiopulmonary, blood and peritoneal fluid alterations associated with abdominal insufflation of carbon dioxide in standing horses. Equine Vet J 2003;35:283–290.
    pubmed: 12755432
  24. Southwood LL. Principles of antimicrobial therapy: What should we be using?. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2006;22:279–296.
    pubmed: 16882476
  25. Freeman KD, Southwood LL, Lane J, Lindborg S, Aceto HW. Post operative infection, pyrexia and perioperative antimicrobial drug use in surgical colic patients. Equine Vet J 2012;44:476–481.
    pubmed: 22150829

Citations

This article has been cited 0 times.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,002 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.