Evaluation of a vessel-sealing device for laparoscopic granulosa cell tumor removal in standing mares.

Summary

# Editorial Summary: Laparoscopic Granulosa Cell Tumour Removal Using Vessel-Sealing Technology in Standing Mares Granulosa cell tumours are the most common equine ovarian neoplasia, yet surgical removal remains challenging due to the need for effective haemostasis of the mesovarium without compromising adjacent tissues. This retrospective case series evaluated the LigaSure vessel-sealing device as an alternative to traditional ligation techniques in eight standing mares (aged 8–24 years) undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy, with pre-operative ultrasonography used to assess ovarian dimensions and abdominal wall thickness. The LigaSure instrument successfully achieved haemostasis in all cases, with median surgery time of 75 minutes (range 40–180 minutes) and median incision length of 13 cm (range 5–17 cm); notably, no incisional complications were recorded, and tumours ranged from 6–14 cm diameter. For practitioners, this technique offers a practical advantage in standing laparoscopic procedures by eliminating the technical difficulty and time associated with mesovarian ligation whilst maintaining excellent surgical visualisation—a significant consideration given that larger tumours present greater haemostatic demands. The absence of incisional complications and consistent haemostatic success suggests the LigaSure device warrants consideration as a reliable tool in the equine surgeon's repertoire for managing clinically problematic ovarian neoplasia.

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Key Findings

• •LigaSure device achieved hemostasis in all 8 mares undergoing laparoscopic ovarian removal for granulosa cell tumors
• •Median surgery time was 75 minutes (range 40-180 minutes) with median ovarian diameter of 10.5 cm
• •No incisional complications occurred in any mare using standing laparoscopic technique with 13 cm median incision length

Conditions Studied