Ventral Abdominal Approach for Laparoscopic Ovariectomy in Horses

Eleven mares and four mules were ovariectomized by a ventral abdominal laparoscopic technique. This approach required tilting the operative table about 30 degrees elevating the pelvis to allow observation of the ovaries. A triangulation technique with a single laparoscopic portal and four instrument portals was used. The ovarian pedicles were ligated and the ovaries were removed through a single enlarged instrument portal. Females ranged in age from 5 months to 18 years. Mean operative time was 44 minutes (range 20 to 90 minutes); mean operative time of the last seven animals was 26 minutes. Signs of abdominal pain occurred in three mules and one mare in the immediate postoperative period. Peritoneal fluid collected from six animals 48 hours after surgery had a mean leukocyte count of 34,463/microL: (range, 21,000 to 62,800/microL), mean protein concentration of 3.1 g/dL (range, 2.2 to 4.6 g/dL), and mean differential leukocyte count of 74% neutrophils and 26% mononuclear cells. The animals were confined for 2 weeks after surgery. Signs of estrus were observed in two mares within 6 months after ovariectomy. All owners reported satisfaction with the results of laparoscopic ovariectomy. The ventral abdominal laparoscopic approach permitted efficient and safe ovariectomy of foals and adults.