Laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy with a vessel-sealing device in dorsal recumbent horses: 43 cases.
Authors: Bracamonte José L, Thomas Keri L
Journal: Veterinary surgery : VS
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Laparoscopic Cryptorchidectomy in Dorsal Recumbency Retained testicular tissue poses significant welfare and legal concerns in breeding programmes, yet minimally invasive approaches remain underutilised in equine practice. Bracamonte and Thomas evaluated laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy using vessel-sealing technology in 43 horses positioned dorsally, including 13 bilateral cases, 19 unilateral cryptorchids with a descended testis, and 11 with prior removal of one testis; inguinal testes (n=5) were mobilised abdominally before excision, with vaginal ring closure attempted in three cases using endoscopic staples. Mean operative time was approximately 31 minutes, with zero intraoperative or immediate postoperative complications and no reported sequelae at short-term (14, 30, 60 days) or long-term (>1.5 years) follow-up. This technique demonstrates that vessel-sealing devices reliably achieve haemostasis and facilitate safe testicular removal without the tissue trauma associated with conventional ligation or tying techniques. For practitioners managing cryptorchid horses, this dorsal recumbent approach offers a reproducible, complication-free alternative that may reduce recovery time and post-operative pain compared to open surgical methods, particularly valuable when bilateral disease requires simultaneous intervention.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy with vessel-sealing devices offers a safe, effective alternative to traditional open castration for retained testes in standing or recumbent positions, with mean surgery time under 35 minutes
- •The technique successfully managed various cryptorchid presentations including bilateral cases and previously failed removals with no recorded complications
- •Dorsal recumbency positioning allows surgeon control of inguinal testes and reduces risk of peritoneal contamination compared to traditional approaches
Key Findings
- •Laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy using vessel-sealing device was successfully performed in 43 horses (13 bilateral, 19 unilateral with descended testis, 11 unilateral with previous removal) with mean surgery time of 31.34 ± 7.41 minutes
- •No intraoperative, immediate postoperative, short-term (14, 30, 60 days), or long-term (>1.5 years) complications were reported in any horse
- •Inguinal testes identified in 5 horses were successfully managed by pulling into abdomen prior to excision, with vaginal ring apposition using endoscopic staples in 3 cases