Standing laparoscopic surgery.

This research article discusses the potential for laparoscopic procedures to replace more invasive surgeries in horses, with specific application to visceral biopsy, cryptorchid castration, ovariectomy, and limited abdominal exploration.

Overview of Laparoscopic Procedures in Horses

In this study, the authors focus on the implementation of laparoscopic procedures as alternatives to invasive surgeries in horses. Laparoscopic surgeries involve using a small tube equipped with a camera to view and perform surgical procedures within the body, which reduces recovery time and minimises risk compared to traditional surgical methods. These procedures may include:

• Visceral Biopsy: This entails taking a sample of inner organs to diagnose diseases.
• Cryptorchid Castration: This is a procedure for removing undescended testicles in male horses, which can contribute to behavioural issues and cancer risks.
• Ovariectomy: A surgery for removing one or both ovaries, usually to treat conditions like granulosa cell tumours or problematic ovarian cysts in female horses.
• Limited Abdominal Exploration: This process assesses the conditions of the abdominal organs in response to symptoms indicating disease or trauma.

Benefits of Standing Laparoscopic Surgeries

Performing these procedures on standing horses, under sedation and local anaesthesia rather than full anaesthesia, brings several benefits:

• Reduced Risk: Standing procedures eliminate risks associated with complete anaesthesia, such as the horse’s handling and positioning risks during anaesthetic induction and recovery.
• Less Invasiveness: With smaller incisions and no need for a large surgical field, the horse’s body is less exposed, reducing the risk of infection and other complications.
• Quicker Recovery: Smaller incisions also mean horses recover and return to normal function faster.

Standing Laparoscopic Surgeries as New Standard

The article supports the idea of using laparoscopic procedures as a new standard for equine surgery. The reduced recovery times, lowered risk of complications, and the overall minimally invasive nature of the procedure are emphasised as major advantages. Also, these surgeries take place while the horse stands, which further reduces the associated risks. While it is recognised that there will be a learning curve for vets, the benefits for the horses’ quality of life are a motivating factor towards the wider adoption of these techniques.