Laparoscopic ovariectomy using sequential electrocoagulation and sharp transection of the equine mesovarium.
Authors: Rodgerson D H, Belknap J K, Wilson D A
Journal: Veterinary surgery : VS
Summary
# Laparoscopic Ovariectomy in Mares: An Electrosurgical Approach Ovariectomy—increasingly performed in mares to manage behavioural and reproductive issues—has traditionally relied on open surgical techniques or more complex laparoscopic methods. Rodgerson and colleagues evaluated whether standing laparoscopic ovariectomy using electrosurgical instrumentation could provide reliable haemostasis whilst minimising invasiveness, recruiting 23 mares and ponies (aged 2–21 years, 90–545 kg) for bilateral removal via paralumbar fossa portals. Using sequential bipolar or monopolar electrocoagulation of the mesovarium followed by sharp transection, the team achieved complete haemostasis in all cases, with only minor postoperative complications: one mare developed mild colic and one pony experienced incision dehiscence on day 5 (which healed by secondary intention), whilst long-term follow-up of 11 horses and 10 ponies at 6–24 months revealed no additional problems. For equine practitioners, this technique offers a minimally invasive standing procedure with predictable vessel sealing, reduced blood loss compared to traditional ligation methods, and excellent safety outcomes—making it a viable alternative where suitable equipment and training are available. The electrosurgical approach eliminates reliance on ligatures or knot-tying and appears particularly suited to routine ovariectomy protocols in performance and behavioural cases.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Standing laparoscopic ovariectomy with electrosurgical hemostasis is a viable minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgical removal, reducing recovery time and complications compared to open procedures.
- •Electrosurgical forceps (bipolar or monopolar) provide adequate vessel coagulation in the mesovarium, simplifying the procedure and reducing hemorrhage risk.
- •This technique is safe in both horses and ponies across a wide age and weight range (2-21 years, 90-545 kg), with favorable long-term outcomes when proper hemostasis is achieved.
Key Findings
- •Laparoscopic ovariectomy using bipolar or monopolal electrosurgical forceps successfully achieved hemostasis of the mesovarium in 23 mares (13 horses, 10 ponies).
- •Complication rate was low: 1 mare with mild colic at 24 hours post-op, 1 pony with incision dehiscence on day 5 requiring second-intention healing.
- •No long-term complications occurred in 11 horses and 10 ponies followed for 6-24 months post-operatively.
- •The standing laparoscopic technique using electrosurgical instrumentation proved effective for hemostasis with sequential coagulation and sharp transection of the mesovarium.