Ventral Abdominal Approach for Laparoscopic Ovariectomy in Horses

OBJECTIVE: To report a ventral abdominal approach and technique for laparoscopic bilateral ovariectomy in horses. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective. SAMPLE POPULATION: Eleven mares and four mules, ranging in age from 5 months to 18 years were used in this study. METHODS: A triangulation technique with a single laparoscopic portal and four instrument portals were used for ventral abdominal laparoscopic ovariectomy. Laparoscopic instruments were used to maneuver and secure each ovary through a ligating loop (modified Roeder knot) that was secured from outside the abdominal cavity. Minimal enlargement of one instrument portal was used to remove the ovaries. RESULTS: Operative time, defined as the time from laparoscopic insertion to removal, ranged from 20 to 90 minutes. The mean operative time of the last seven animals was 26 minutes. Signs of estrus were observed in two mares within six months after ovariectomy. CONCLUSIONS: The reported technique allowed decreased tension on the tissues during ligation and removal of each ovary from the peritoneal cavity. Improved observation of the abdominal cavity, ligation security, shortened patient confinement time, and minimally invasive technique are all considered to be benefits of laparoscopic ovariectomy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The ventral abdominal laparoscopic approach permitted efficient and safe ovariectomy in foals and adults.