Use of Tubo-Ovarian Ligation Via Colpotomy as A Potential Method for Sterilization in Mares.

This research was aimed at developing a cost-effective, safe and efficient method for sterilizing mares. The method involved tubo-ovarian ligation via colpotomy. Despite being technically possible, complications arose due to ovarian adhesions following the procedure indicating that this may not be a feasible sterilization technique.

Objective of the Study

• The primary aim of this research was to create a safe, cost-effective and efficient method for permanently sterilizing mares. This method involved implementing tubo-ovarian ligation via colpotomy. A technique was tested that involved using a zip-tie to induce ovarian ischemia and tubal ligation, not requiring the removal of ovaries.

Methodology

• The researchers initially tested the effect of applying zip-ties to the ovarian pedicle both in vitro and in vivo. Following these tests, it was found that the ligated vessels did not leak, suggesting the potential effectiveness of the methodology.
• Following these initial tests, ligation of the ovarian pedicle was carried out on five mares through a colpotomy while they were standing.

Results

• The surgical procedure performed on the five mares seemed efficient and fast. However, postoperatively all five of the subjects developed adhesions between the ovaries and surrounding visceral tissues.
• Ovarian ischemia lead to loss of ovarian activity, evident in four out of the five mares based on ultrasound examinations and low plasma progesterone concentration.
• Four mares demonstrated clinical symptoms related to the ovarian adhesions and had to be euthanized postoperatively.

Conclusion

• The postoperative complications involving adhesions between ovaries and surrounding viscera reported in this study were significant and limited the success of the methodology.
• While the technique did result in ovarian ischemia and atrophy in four mares, the researchers were unable to assess the long-term health and reproductive effects due to the adhesions.
• The researchers concluded that although the tubo-ovarian ligation via colpotomy technique is technically feasible, it does not seem efficacious for sterilizing mares due to the likelihood of ovarian adhesions post-surgery.