Standing hand-assisted laparoscopic ovariectomy in 65 mares.

This research studies the safety and effectiveness of unilateral ovariectomy using a laparoscopic procedure performed on standing mares. The study reviews the case of 65 horses and evaluates the impact of ovary size on the post-cutting bleeding following the application of a linear stapling apparatus.

Methodology

• The study used a case series methodology and involved horses aged between 2 to 20 years.
• Medical records of the mares that had ovariectomy performed using a standing hand-assisted laparoscopic approach were evaluated.
• Various details regarding the mares were collated, such as their signalment, which ovary was removed, the size of the ovary, any ovarian pathology, any complications before and after surgery, and the duration of their hospital stay.

Results

• The mean ovary size was 17 cm.
• Of the 52 mares that underwent histopathology, it was found that 41 had granulosa cell tumors (79%), 8 had ovarian cysts (15%), 1 had a teratoma (2%), and 2 had no abnormalities (4%).
• Bleeding was observed in 16 mares after the transection of the mesovarium, a portion of the broad ligament that attaches the ovary to the uterus.
• Surgical complications encountered included one mare collapsing in the stocks and another experiencing excessive bleeding from the incision.
• Postoperative complications were only seen in 2 cases where the mares exhibited signs of mild colic.
• The overall complication rate of the procedure was 6%.

Conclusions

• All attempts to remove the targeted ovary were successful.
• The hand-assisted laparoscopic approach performed on standing mares was deemed safe, as the complications noted were similar to those reported for other methods.