Standing laparoscopic ovariectomy technique with intraabdominal dissection for removal of large pathologic ovaries in mares.
Authors: De Bont Matthew P, Wilderjans Hans, Simon Olivier
Journal: Veterinary surgery : VS
Summary
# Standing Laparoscopic Ovariectomy in Mares with Pathologic Ovaries Removal of enlarged or diseased ovaries in mares traditionally requires general anaesthesia and substantial surgical incisions, both carrying significant risks and recovery implications. De Bont and colleagues developed a standing laparoscopic technique utilising three small portal sites (two in the paralumbar fossa and one between ribs 17–18) combined with intraabdominal dissection within a specimen retrieval bag, allowing fragmentation and removal of large pathologic ovaries through incisions of only 5–10 cm. Across 43 mares aged 2–21 years, all ovaries were successfully removed regardless of size, with no major intraoperative complications and excellent cosmetic outcomes; critically, 93% of breeding mares conceived in their first season post-surgery, whilst sport horses returned to their previous performance level or better. The technique's use of bipolar forceps or vessel-sealing devices for haemostasis, combined with cannula suction to facilitate morcellation within the retrieval bag, eliminates the need for general anaesthesia—a particular advantage for older mares, those with comorbidities, or in field settings with limited facilities. For practitioners managing mares with granulosa cell tumours, haemorrhagic follicles, or other ovarian pathology, this approach offers a minimally invasive alternative that substantially reduces anaesthetic risk whilst maintaining reproductive function and athletic performance.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Standing laparoscopic ovariectomy eliminates the need for general anesthesia and large surgical incisions, reducing recovery time and post-operative complications for mares requiring ovary removal
- •Large or pathologic ovaries can be safely managed using a specimen retrieval bag to fragment tissue intra-abdominally, allowing removal through 5-10 cm incisions with excellent cosmetic results
- •Breeding mares have excellent post-operative reproductive success (93% conception in first season) with this technique, making it the preferred approach for ovariectomy in performance and breeding animals
Key Findings
- •All 43 large pathologic ovaries were successfully removed through small incisions (5-10 cm) using standing laparoscopic technique with no major complications
- •93% of breeding mares (n=43) successfully conceived in the first season after standing laparoscopic ovariectomy
- •All sport horses returned to previous levels of work or higher post-operatively
- •Specimen retrieval bag and intraabdominal dissection technique allowed large ovaries to be fragmented and removed through minimal incisions while maintaining excellent cosmetic outcomes