Laparoscopic transection of restrictive bands of the mesosalpinx as adjunct to the use of prostaglandin E2 for mares with suspected uterine tubal blockage.

The research article discusses a laparoscopic procedure to cut restrictive bands in the mesosalpinx, combined with the application of prostaglandin E2, as a treatment for mares with suspected blockage in the uterine tube. The study found that this procedure was effective with minimal side effects and could potentially improve fertility.

Methodology

• The researchers used a standard left flank laparoscopic approach to the abdomen, employing three laparoscopic portals.
• If they found any restrictive bands in the mesosalpinx crossing the uterine tube perpendicularly, they carefully cut these bands.
• After this, they applied 1 mg of prostaglandin E to the outer surface of the uterine tube.
• The skin incisions were secured with surgical staples, and the same procedure was performed on the right uterine tube.

Results

• The experiment was done on nine Thoroughbred mares that were suspected of having a blockage in the uterine tube. These mares had been unable to conceive for an average of 1.8 years (ranging from 1-5 years).
• The overall success rate of conception post surgery was 89%, i.e., 8 out of the 9 mares got pregnant
• The number of mated oestrus cycles (periods of sexual receptivity and fertility in most female mammals) before achieving pregnancy in the mares that became pregnant was an average of 1.9 ± 1.6.
• These mares had previously undergone an average of 6.2 ± 1.9 cycles without conception before the surgery.

Conclusions

• The authors concluded that the transection of restrictive bands of the mesosalpinx can be performed effectively alongside a laparoscopic-guided application of prostaglandin E to the uterine tube.
• The procedure did not seem to have any adverse impact on fertility and, in fact, may have improved fertility in some mares with complex uterine tubal disease.