Single-incision, prefemoral bilateral oophorosalpingectomy without coelioscopy in an Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans) with follicular stasis

A female Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans) was evaluated for anorexia and suspected coelomic masses. Clinical examination indicated follicular stasis. The tortoise was anesthetized and placed in dorsal left lateral recumbency for a right prefemoral approach. The ovaries and oviducts were exposed through the right prefemoral incision. The ovarian vasculature, the mesovarium, the oviduct, mesosalpinx and associated vasculature were ligated and transected. Bilateral oophorosalpingectomy was performed through the incision, without coelioscopy. Since then, the same procedure has been performed in five other tortoises, and all recovered well. These results suggest that bilateral oophorosalpingectomy, performed through a prefemoral incision, without coelioscopy, is a safe and practical approach for treating follicular stasis in tortoises.