Ovarectomy (removal of the ovaries) without general anaesthesia in the standing horse using fusion technique (LigaSure™) and other laparoscopic procedures (cryptorchids)

Since early 2015, we carry out ovarectomies (removal of the ovaries) in horses using the modern laparoscopy method.

The new surgical system LigaSure™ allows the surgeon to cut tissue and to ligate blood vessels by means of fusion technology without using foreign materials such as sutures or staples. By using this method, the risk of complications such as post-surgical haemorrhage or adhesions can be significantly reduced. A further major advantage of using this method is that the operation can be performed standing and thus no general anaesthesia is required.

For the procedure, the horse is only put under light sedation and the flank is prepared with a local anaesthetic. A small incision for the camera allows for an all-round view of the abdominal cavity. Two further small incisions for the instruments enable careful handling of the inner organs. As the incision wounds are much smaller compared with conventional surgery, horses can often be discharged from the hospital after only a few days. Usually, training can be resumed even after a few weeks. The method is suitable both for mares with ovarian tumours or for mares which are subjected to castration e.g. due to behavioural problems.

Broodmares which have undergone unilateral ovarectomy due to an ovarian tumour can usually still become pregnant if the remaining ovary is intact.

Under the direction of our senior surgeon Dr. David Lichtenberg, this method is also applied at Pferdeklinik Hochmoor for the surgical castration of rigs (cryptorchids) where the testes are located in the abdominal cavity.

Further indications for laparoscopy are

  • Rupture of the urinary bladder
  • Uroliths
  • Closure of the abdominal inguinal ring in order to prevent scrotal hernia
  • Closure of the nephrosplenic ligament in cases of colon displacement.
  • Diagnostic laparoscopy is particularly indicated in cases of
  • Recurrent colic
  • Chronic poor condition
  • Suspected abdominal tumours.

Overview of advantages of laparoscopic fusion technology using LigaSure™

  • No general anaesthesia required, as surgery can be performed on the standing patient
  • No suture material is used inside the abdominal cavity
  • Short hospitalisation period
  • Training can be resumed quickly due to smaller incision wounds.

Do you have any questions regarding the use of the new method and LigaSure™ technology or the topics of “ovarian tumours” and “rideability issues”? Please don’t hesitate to contact us – go to “Contact us”