Evaluation of a motorized morcellator for laparoscopic removal of granulosa-theca cell tumors in standing mares.
Authors: Kummer Martin, Theiss Felix, Jackson Michelle, Fürst Anton
Journal: Veterinary surgery : VS
Summary
# Editorial Summary Granulosa-theca cell tumors (GCT) represent a significant ovarian pathology in mares, often requiring surgical intervention to resolve behavioral and fertility issues, yet traditional removal techniques can be technically demanding. Kummer and colleagues evaluated a motorized morcellator approach in seven standing, sedated mares (aged 4–15 years) with unilateral GCTs (median ultrasonographic diameter 17 cm, range 10–22 cm), where the ovarian pedicle was ligated using a LigaSure device and tumorous tissue systematically fragmented into cylindrical blocks for removal through minimally invasive laparoscopic portals. Surgical times ranged from 2–4.5 hours with no major intraoperative complications recorded; only two mares developed mild subcutaneous emphysema post-operatively, which resolved without intervention, whilst all owners reported satisfaction with cosmetic outcomes and absence of GCT-related clinical signs during 6–40 month follow-up periods. The motorized morcellator technique proves particularly valuable for practitioners managing large ovarian tumours, as it permits complete tumour removal through small portal incisions without requiring standing flank celiotomy, substantially reducing tissue trauma, postoperative pain and recovery time. For equine surgeons and referral practitioners, this approach represents a compelling refinement to ovariohysterectomy protocols, particularly where owner tolerance for extended surgical time and anaesthetic risk is a consideration.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Laparoscopic morcellation offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional ovariohysterectomy for removing large GCTs, reducing recovery time and improving cosmetic outcome
- •Standing sedated technique with paralumbar portal approach can be performed safely in clinical practice with rare complications
- •Owners can expect short convalescence and favorable long-term outcomes with resolution of behavioral/clinical signs related to the tumor
Key Findings
- •Motorized morcellator successfully removed large ovarian tumors (median 17 cm diameter) laparoscopically in 7 standing mares with surgical times of 2-4.5 hours
- •No major surgical complications occurred; only 2 mares experienced mild subcutaneous emphysema at portal sites
- •Clinical signs associated with GCT did not recur in any mare during 6-40 month follow-up with high owner satisfaction