A comparison of peritoneal fluid values in mares following bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomy using a vessel sealing and dividing device versus placement of two ligating loops.
Authors: Seabaugh Kathryn A, Goodrich Laurie R, Bohn Andrea A, Morley Paul S, Hendrickson Dean A
Journal: Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Laparoscopic Ovariectomy Technique and Peritoneal Inflammation in Mares Bilateral standing laparoscopic ovariectomy is an established procedure in equine practice, yet the choice between vessel sealing devices and ligating loops may influence post-operative peritoneal inflammation. Researchers compared these two haemostasis methods by analysing peritoneal fluid samples collected before surgery and at 24 and 72 hours post-operatively in ten mares, measuring total nucleated cell count, total protein and red blood cell count as inflammatory markers. Both techniques triggered a significant inflammatory response, but mares treated with vessel sealing and dividing devices (VSDD) demonstrated notably higher peritoneal fluid total protein concentrations—averaging 4.14 g/dL compared to 3.18 g/dL in the ligating loop group—at both 24 and 72 hours post-operatively (P<0.001 and P=0.04). Whilst both methods prove clinically effective, the greater peritoneal protein elevation associated with VSDD suggests this technique may cause more pronounced tissue trauma or inflammation, which has implications for post-operative recovery expectations and client communication, though the clinical significance of these differences warrants further investigation.
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Practical Takeaways
- •When performing standing laparoscopic ovariectomy in mares, ligating loops may produce less peritoneal irritation than vessel sealing devices, as evidenced by lower post-operative protein concentrations in abdominal fluid
- •Expect significant peritoneal inflammatory responses (elevated protein, nucleated cells, and red blood cells) for at least 72 hours after bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomy regardless of hemostasis method used
- •Choice of hemostasis technique should consider the degree of post-operative peritoneal inflammation, particularly if mares have concurrent abdominal conditions or sensitivities
Key Findings
- •Total protein in peritoneal fluid increased significantly in mares at 24h and 72h post-bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomy compared to pre-operative values across all groups
- •Vessel sealing and dividing device (VSDD) resulted in greater peritoneal fluid protein concentrations (mean 4.14 g/dL) compared to ligating loops (mean 3.18 g/dL) at 24h (P<0.001) and 72h (P=0.04) post-operatively
- •Total nucleated cell count and red blood cell count in peritoneal fluid were consistently elevated post-operatively in all surgical groups