Ventral abdominal approach for laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy in horses.

The research article reports on a new laparoscopic technique for the surgical removal of unnaturally retained testes in horses. The study involves six equine subjects and outlines the benefits of the laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy method, such as decreased tissue tension, shorter confinement periods, and enhanced observation of internal body structures.

Research Methodology

• The study was conducted prospectively on six horses, aged between 1 and 5 years old, who had retained testes.
• A ventral abdominal approach was used for the laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy. This involved using one laparoscopic portal and three to four instrument portals.
• Laparoscopic instruments were used to manage and secure the testis via a ligating loop, also known as a modified Roeder knot. This loop was secured from the outside of the abdominal cavity.
• The testicle was removed through a minimal enlargement of one instrument portal.

Research Findings

• The operative time was relatively short, ranging from 20 to 25 minutes for unilateral cryptorchids and from 40 to 50 minutes for bilateral cryptorchids.
• Three tested horses had bilateral (both) testes retained, while three had unilateral (one side) testes retained – two on the left side and one on the right side.

Study Conclusions

• The reported technique allowed for a reduction in tension on the tissues during the ligation and removal processes of the testis.
• Advantages of this method include improved observation of the abdominal cavity, increased security during ligation, reduced patient confinement time, and being minimally invasive.
• Especially in cases of earlier unsuccessful surgical attempts, unknown histories of retained testicular tissue, or bilateral abdominal cryptorchids, direct observation of retained testes and intraabdominal castration are unique benefits of this laparoscopy technique in horses.