Laparoscopic ovariectomy using the endo-GIA stapling device and endo-catch pouches and evaluation of analgesic efficacy of epidural morphine sulfate in 10 mares.

The research conducted a clinical trial to determine the efficiency of using the ENDO-GIA staple device and ENDO-Catch pouches to perform ovary removal in horses. They also evaluated the effectiveness of an epidural morphine sulfate for pain relief during the procedure.

Methodology

The study relied on a randomized clinical trial design and used ten mares that had normal ovaries. The researchers employed an Endo-GIA II stapler for amputating the ovaries bilaterally and the Endo-Catch II pouches for retrieval, both tools are produced by the United States Surgical Corp.

The trial divided the mares into two groups. One group had five mares who were administered epidural morphine; and the other group consisted of the remaining five mares who were not given epidural morphine. Variables such as the duration of the procedure, the quantity of lidocaine necessary to numb the ovarian pedicle, and the level of sedation were compared between these two groups.

Results

• The study found that the Endo-GIA II stapling device was an easy and efficient tool to perform the ovary removal.
• For the group administered with epidural morphine, the average surgical time was notably less (approximately 69.2 minutes) compared to the group that did not receive morphine (around 124.4 minutes).
• The group that received epidural morphine also required less systemic sedation.
• Hemorrhage was minimal, and none of the mares experienced complications.

Conclusion

The findings from this study indicate that using the Endo-GIA II staples is an efficient method for ovary removal in normal mares. Moreover, the use of epidural morphine seems beneficial as it offers effective pain relief, thus improving the comfort level of the patients. Reduced sedation and local anesthetic administration were also noted, which suggests that epidural morphine could facilitate ovary removal procedures among mares.