Laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy in the equine; an elusive goal

A two‐step ovariohysterectomy with unilateral left flank laparoscopic assistance in a Quarter Horse mare

“…). Standing hand‐assisted laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy reduces the risk of intra‐abdominal haemorrhage by direct visualisation during dissection and simplifies the difficulty of the technique by allowing extensive dissection of the broad ligament laparoscopically before performing the second step of the procedure under GA (Santschi ; Woodford et al . ).…”

“…). Nonetheless, it has been suggested that performing the procedure in two stages could be time consuming and therefore a practical concern for staff and facilities (Santschi ).…”

“…Another advantage of standing laparoscopic‐guided dissection of the mesenteric attachments is the reduction or absence of uterine tension during dissection. This may decrease the reported postoperative pain seen when ovariohysterectomy is performed solely by ventral midline celiotomy (Santschi ). The two‐step procedure also reduces the time needed under GA to complete the surgery and the size of the ventral midline incision (Hooper et al .…”

“…In previous reports, the amount of broad ligament dissection using standing laparoscopic techniques was variable and often ended at the junction between the uterine horns and the body (Gablehouse et al . ; Santschi ). In our case, we were able to dissect the broad ligament bilaterally up to the caudal end of the body of the uterus and only 2 cm of uterine stump was left in place ( Fig ).…”

“…However, this complication has also been reported after a larger ventral midline incision was performed and might be only problematic if a large uterine stump remains in place (Santschi et al . ; Santschi ).…”