Effects of unilateral laser-assisted ventriculocordectomy in horses with laryngeal hemiplegia.
Authors: Robinson P, Derksen F J, Stick J A, Sullins K E, DeTolve P G, Robinson N E
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Laser-Assisted Ventriculocordectomy for Laryngeal Hemiplegia Recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN) significantly compromises both airway function and exercise tolerance in affected horses, yet existing surgical treatments demand general anaesthesia and carry the inherent risks of invasive procedures. Robinson and colleagues investigated whether unilateral laser-assisted ventriculocordectomy—a transnasal technique performed in standing, sedated horses—could effectively manage this condition whilst circumventing the morbidity associated with conventional approaches. The laser technique selectively ablates the vocal fold and ventricle tissues to enlarge the resting airway diameter without requiring general anaesthesia. Key findings demonstrated that this minimally invasive approach successfully reduced respiratory noise and improved airway patency with minimal post-operative complications compared to traditional methods. For practitioners involved in managing RLN cases, this work suggests that standing laser ventriculocordectomy presents a viable alternative that reduces anaesthetic risk, shortens recovery periods, and may be more accessible in field settings, making it particularly valuable for owners seeking lower-risk surgical intervention.
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Practical Takeaways
- •This minimally invasive approach offers an alternative to traditional general anaesthesia surgical techniques, potentially reducing perioperative risks and recovery time
- •Standing sedated procedure may improve client convenience and reduce costs associated with general anaesthesia and hospitalization
- •Technique targets both noise reduction and functional airway improvement in horses with laryngeal hemiplegia
Key Findings
- •Laser-assisted ventriculocordectomy is a minimally invasive transnasal technique for treating recurrent laryngeal neuropathy in horses
- •The procedure can be performed in standing, sedated horses without requiring general anaesthesia
- •The technique aims to reduce respiratory noise and improve airway function in affected horses