Laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy and ovariectomy in standing horses using the EnSeal® tissue-sealing device

Abstract

In the present series of cases, 8 laparoscopic cryptorchidectomies and 4 laparoscopic ovariectomies were carried out in sedated standing horses. Sedation involved a lesser anaesthesiological risk than does general anaesthesia. As compared to laparotomic exposure, the minimally invasive laparoscopic intervention provided better visualisation, shorter operative time and faster recovery. The blood vessels supplying the testes and ovaries and the suspensory ligaments of the organs were sealed and cut with EnSeal®, an adaptive bipolar electrosurgical blood vessel- and tissue-sealing device. The clinical use of the blood vessel- and tissue-sealing device proved to be successful in all cases. Gradual separation of the intact tissue from the treated, compacted, dehydrated and homogenised tissue areas and occlusion of the lumen of blood vessels treated with the device could be observed in all histological sections. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the use of EnSeal® for laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy and ovariectomy in horses.

Vessel sealer and divider instrument temperature during laparoscopic ovariectomy in horses

“…Instead, these instruments allow hemostasis but remain easy to use and require fewer technical skills. [9][10][11][12] Although vessel sealing and dividing devices might be considered less technically challenging and a mainstay of equine minimally invasive procedures, including ovariectomy, 9,10 the present study suggests that their application may be associated with risks of iatrogenic tissue damage. The present study justifies caution when using a vessel sealer and divider during excision of the ovarian pedicle.…”

“…These devices have essentially eliminated the requirement for suture loops, intracorporeal suturing, or emasculation in many surgical procedures. Instead, these instruments allow hemostasis but remain easy to use and require fewer technical skills . Although vessel sealing and dividing devices might be considered less technically challenging and a mainstay of equine minimally invasive procedures, including ovariectomy, the present study suggests that their application may be associated with risks of iatrogenic tissue damage.…”

“…Mare median age was 13 years (IQR, [10][11][12][13][14]. Ovaries were removed unilaterally in all mares by using the described technique with no operative complications.…”

“…Median surgical time was 30 minutes (IQR, 25-32), and median surgical time during which the vessel sealer and divider instrument was used was 4.1 minutes (IQR, 3.2-5.8). Median number of vessel sealer and divider activations was 12 (IQR, [10][11][12]. Median temperature outside the abdomen prior to surgery was 238C (IQR, [22][23][24][25].…”

Comparison of laparoscopic and traditional abomasal cannulation in sheep

“…Therefore, laparoscopic surgery is becoming increasingly popular. Laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy (10), ovario-hysterectomy (8), gastropexy (29), and cystotomy for urolith removal have been reported (25).…”