Paralumbar Fossa Laparoscopic Ovariectomy in Horses With Use of Endoloop Ligatures

Objective —The purposes of this study were to develop a technique of paralumbar fossa laparoscopic ovariectomy using Endoloop ligatures and to avoid a laparotomy incision for ovary removal by using a 33–mm diameter muscle spreader trocar‐cannula unit. Animals or Sample Population —Seven mares. Methods —Bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomy was performed under general anesthesia in two horses and under neuroleptanalgesia and local anesthesia in five standing mares. Ovaries were approached from the ipsilateral paralumbar fossa through two portal sites located in the paralumbar fossa and a third between the 17th and 18th ribs. Insufflation of the abdominal cavity was achieved using an automatic carbon dioxide insufflator. Two Endoloop ligatures were placed on the mesovarium. The cannula, located in the center of the paralumbar fossa, was removed, and a 33‐mm diameter trocar‐cannula unit, with a cone‐shaped muscle spreader extremity, was inserted through the same portal. The mesovarium was transected between the ovary and the ligatures. The ovaries were removed from the abdomen through the 33‐mm diameter cannula. The abdominal wall was closed in a routine manner. Results —No major complications occurred during or after surgery. Conclusion —Paralumbar fossa laparoscopic ovariectomy in mares using Endoloop ligatures and the 33‐mm diameter trocar‐cannula unit was an effective technique for ovariectomy of normal ovaries in this study. Clinical Relevance —Endoloop ligatures provide a viable alternative for laparoscopic ligation of ovarian pedicles in mares.