Left paralumbar laparoscopic bilateral ovariectomy in mares.
Authors: Colbath Aimee C, Hackett Eileen S, Lesser Craig S, Hendrickson Dean A
Journal: Veterinary surgery : VS
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Left Paralumbar Laparoscopic Bilateral Ovariectomy in Mares Ovariectomy in mares traditionally requires general anaesthesia and significant surgical time, making it an invasive procedure with inherent recovery risks. Colbath and colleagues developed a novel standing laparoscopic technique for bilateral ovariectomy using a left paralumbar approach with one primary laparoscopic portal and three instrument portals, enabling access to both ovaries whilst the mare remained sedated and standing in stocks. Over twelve healthy client-owned mares with normal ovarian ultrasonographic findings, the procedure achieved a mean surgical duration of 76 minutes with successful bilateral ovariectomy in all cases; the key innovation was positioning a laparoscopic portal at the 17th intercostal space to visualise the right ovary whilst minimising instrument collision. Post-operative complications occurred in one-third of mares (fever, mild colic, incisional swelling, and transient azotemia), but all resolved without long-term sequelae and owners reported complete satisfaction with outcomes and return to full activity. For equine practitioners, this technique offers a clinically viable alternative to recumbent surgical approaches, potentially reducing anaesthetic risk and recovery time in mares requiring ovariectomy, particularly those with behavioural or reproductive concerns; however, applicability may be limited to mares with normal ovarian architecture and would require specific training in laparoscopic instrumentation and anatomy.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Standing laparoscopic bilateral ovariectomy is a viable option for behavioral management in mares with success rates and complication profiles comparable to traditional approaches
- •Expect minor postoperative issues (fever, mild colic, swelling) in approximately 1 in 3 cases, but these resolve without long-term consequences
- •The technique requires specialized equipment and training but offers benefits of minimal invasiveness and standing procedure in appropriate candidates
Key Findings
- •Left paralumbar bilateral ovariectomy was successful in all 12 mares with mean surgical time of 76±8 minutes
- •Postoperative complications occurred in 4/12 (33%) mares including fever, mild colic, incisional swelling, and azotemia
- •All complications resolved and mares returned to full activity with complete owner satisfaction
- •A 17th intercostal space laparoscopic portal improved visualization of the right ovary and reduced instrument interference