Laparoscopic Ovariectomy Using Sequential Electrocoagulation and Sharp Transection of the Equine Mesovarium

Objective— To describe in horses and ponies a laparoscopic ovariectomy technique facilitated by electrosurgical instrumentation. Study Design— Elective ovariectomy was performed in 23 mares using laparoscopic electrosurgical instrumentation. Animals or Sample Population— Twenty‐three mares (13 horses, 10 ponies), aged from 2 to 21 years and weighing 90 to 545 kg. Methods— Food was withheld for a minimum of 12 hours. Mares were sedated with detomidine hydrochloride (0.02 to 0.03 mg/kg) or xylazine hydrochloride (0.5 to 1.0 mg/kg). Excluding the pony mares, all other mares were restrained in stocks. Portal sites in the paralumbar fossa region were desensitized with 2% mepivacaine. Abdominal insufflation was achieved through a teat cannula positioned in the ventral abdomen or a Verres‐type needle placed through the paralumbar fossa. After trocar and laparoscope insertion, the ipsilateral ovary and mesovarium were identified, and the mesovarium, tubal membrane, and proper ligament were infiltrated with 2% mepivacaine. The mesovarium was coagulated using bipolar or monopolar electrosurgical forceps and transected sequentially from cranial to caudal until the ovary was completely freed and then removed. The contralateral ovary was removed in a similar fashion through the opposite paralumbar fossa. Results— Bipolar and monopolar electrosurgical forceps were easy to use and provided adequate coagulation of vessels within the mesovarium. Two mares were euthanatized after the procedure for unrelated reasons. One mare had mild signs of colic 24 hours after ovariectomy. In 1 pony mare, the incision used to remove one ovary dehisced on the 5th postoperative day and was allowed to heal by second‐intention. No long‐term complications had occurred in 11 horses and 10 ponies, 6 to 24 months after surgery. Conclusion— Laparoscopic ovariectomy and hemostasis of the mesovarium can be easily accomplished using electrosurgical instrumentation. Clinical Relevance— Standing laparoscopic ovariectomy, using electrosurgical instrumentation, is an effective and safe technique to provide hemostasis of the mesovarium in mares.