Minimally invasive, compartmentalized, modified open castration technique with primary closure in equids.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE To describe use of a modified open castration technique with a scrotal approach and primary closure in equids. DESIGN Prospective case series. ANIMALS 38 client-owned, sexually intact male equids. PROCEDURES With owner consent, elective castration was performed with a modified open technique on patients (1 pony, 1 miniature horse, and 36 horses of other breeds) under general anesthesia. The procedure included minimal dissection into the scrotal region for removal of testes, with cremaster muscles left intact and the parietal vaginal tunic closed in place. Primary closure of surgical wounds was performed. Patients were monitored for signs of complications. Signalment, surgery-related variables, results of ultrasonographic imaging, postoperative treatments, and outcomes were recorded. Follow-up information was obtained from owners ≥ 6 months after surgery. Medical records were reviewed, and descriptive data were reported. RESULTS Median anesthesia and surgery times were 113.5 and 60 minutes, respectively. Duration of hospitalization ranged from 1 to 3 days. No intraoperative complications were observed. Postoperative complications (moderate swelling in the scrotal region) developed in 2 of 38 (5%) patients. Mild scrotal swelling (n = 5) and transient pyrexia (typically mild; 9) also occurred; no patients had signs of postoperative bleeding, infection, or colic. All equids gradually returned to exercise beginning 10 days after the procedure. Cosmetic results were considered excellent. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The modified castration technique was considered simple to perform and advantageous because of the low complication rate, excellent cosmetic results, and prompt return to intended use after surgery.
Publication Date: 2018-09-14 PubMed ID: 30211643DOI: 10.2460/javma.253.7.897Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research describes a new surgical technique to castrate horses, which is minimally invasive and has few complications. The technique features an open castration procedure, using a scrotal approach and primary wound closure, with cases showing promising results.
Description of the Study
- This study is a prospective case series involving 38 client-owned male horses of different breeds, undergoing elective castration.
- The animals were operated under general anesthesia using a modified open technique.
- During the procedure, minimum intervention was made into the scrotal region for testes removal, while the cremaster muscles were left untouched and the parietal vaginal tunic was sutured in place.
- The surgical wounds were primarily closed and subsequent postoperative complications were monitored.
Procedure and Results
- The-reported anesthesia and surgery times were approximately 113.5 and 60 minutes, respectively, and hospital stay ranged from 1 to 3 days.
- No complications were observed during the operation and post-surgery, complications were noted in only 5% (2 out of 38) of cases, with symptoms being moderate swelling in the scrotal region.
- Other minor postoperative outcomes included mild scrotal swelling in 5 cases and transient mild pyrexia in 9 cases.
- None of the horses exhibited signs of postoperative bleeding, infection, or colic.
- Recovery was satisfactory, with all horses gradually returning to exercise after 10 days following the procedure.
Conclusion
- All the horses in the study had excellent cosmetic results, suggesting the effectiveness of the modified open castration technique.
- The method was considered simple to perform with a significant plus being the low rate of postoperative complications.
- The quick recovery time and the animals’ prompt return to their intended use after the surgery further emphasize the advantages of this technique.
Cite This Article
APA
Crosa AT, Desjardins MR.
(2018).
Minimally invasive, compartmentalized, modified open castration technique with primary closure in equids.
J Am Vet Med Assoc, 253(7), 897-906.
https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.253.7.897 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Horses / surgery
- Length of Stay
- Male
- Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / methods
- Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / veterinary
- Orchiectomy / methods
- Orchiectomy / veterinary
- Postoperative Complications / veterinary
- Prospective Studies
- Suture Techniques / veterinary
- Treatment Outcome
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