Left paralumbar fossa approach combined with mesocolon fenestration for bilateral equine ovariectomy.

This research article discusses a new method for ovariectomies in horses, involving a left paralumbar fossa approach and fenestration of the mesocolon. The technique was found to provide sufficient access to both ovaries with minimal complications in a small study population.

Research Background

• The researchers sought to provide a detailed account of a new surgical technique for bilateral equine ovariectomy. This procedure is commonly performed in mares and more infrequently, in mules.
• The new approach involved a standing left paralumbar fossa approach combined with mesocolon fenestration.

Research Method

• The subjects of the research were four healthy client-owned mares and one client-owned Molly mule.
• The horses were sedated and the abdominal cavity was accessed via a left paralumbar fossa approach.
• The right ovary was reached through an incision in the mesocolon and the site of the operation was adjusted to allow sufficient visualization and manipulation of the ovary.
• Each ovarian pedicle was tied with extracorporeal ligatures before a sharp cut was made. The ovaries were kept within the abdomen due to the course of another study.
• The cut on the mesocolon was secured with laparoscopic staples. The horses were monitored every hour during their time in hospital, and a questionnaire was completed by the owners 90 days after surgery to evaluate recovery.

Research Findings

• The surgical procedure successfully transected both ovarian pedicles in all horses involved, with the only reported complication being mild incisional emphysema in 2 of the 5 horses, which resolved spontaneously.
• All animals returned to intended use at 90 days, indicating a relatively rapid and successful recovery process.

Conclusions

• The left paralumbar fossa approach and mesocolon fenestration were determined to provide adequate access to both ovaries with minimal morbidity within the small study group.
• The researchers suggest that this technique should be considered as an alternative to more traditionally used methods for performing laparoscopic ovariectomies in horses.