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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.
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Publication Date: 2025-09-01 PubMed ID: 40927255PubMed Central: PMC12416111
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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

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