Laparoscopic ovariectomy in mares using a polyamide tie-rap.
Authors: Cokelaere Stefan M, Martens Ann M J G, Wiemer Peter
Journal: Veterinary surgery : VS
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Laparoscopic Ovariectomy in Mares Using Polyamide Tie-Rap Ligation Bilateral standing laparoscopic ovariectomy represents a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open spaying in mares, but securing adequate haemostasis of the mesovarium remains technically challenging; Cokelaere et al. investigated whether a commercial polyamide tie-rap could reliably ligate the ovarian pedicle during this procedure. Ten mares underwent bilateral ovariectomy via three paralumbar portals, with the mesovarium ligated using a polyamide loop marked with four coloured reference lines to ensure secure tightening before transection and removal of the ovary; repeat laparoscopy was performed in eight mares at 2, 3, 4, and 12 weeks post-operatively to assess healing and complications. All mares recovered without postoperative discomfort, and laparoscopic examination confirmed complete fibrous encapsulation of the stump and ligature material within 3–4 weeks, although two mares developed mild adhesions between the left ovarian stump and descending colon mesentery. The simplicity and safety of this technique—requiring no suture material or knot-tying within the abdominal cavity—offers farriers and equine practitioners a practical, economical method for ovariectomy that reduces operative time and peritoneal trauma whilst maintaining reliable haemostasis, making it a valuable consideration for breeding soundness or behavioural management in mares.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Standing laparoscopic ovariectomy with polyamide tie-rap offers a safe, technically straightforward alternative to traditional ligation methods with no apparent complications in the short term
- •The colored marking system on the tie-rap provides a practical visual confirmation that adequate tension has been achieved during the procedure
- •While generally well-tolerated, surgeons should monitor for potential adhesion formation as part of post-operative follow-up in some cases
Key Findings
- •Polyamide tie-rap successfully ligated the mesovarium in all 10 mares with no postoperative discomfort
- •Complete encapsulation of surgical stumps and tie-rap occurred within 3-4 weeks on repeat laparoscopy
- •Minor adhesion formation observed between left stump and mesentery in 2 of 8 mares re-evaluated