Equine Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is a type of minimally-invasive surgery that uses a camera and a surgical lighted endoscope (laparoscope) that is inserted into the body through small incisions, providing surgeons with a two-dimensional screen view of the abdominal cavity on a video monitor. It enables the surgeon to perform procedures from outside the body cavity, using extended, hand-held instruments (see photos).

Diagnostic Exploratory Procedures

• Acute and chronic colics
• Weight Loss
• Peritonitis
• Biopsies - several organs
• Evaluation of male and female reproductive tract
• Rectal tears

Surgical Procedures

• Castration
• Cryptorchidectomy (abdominally located testes)
• Ovariectomy (e.g. ovarian tumors)
• Colopexy (recurrent large colon displacements)
• Nephrosplenic space ablation (recurrent left dorsal displacement)
• Adhesiolysis (adhesion release)
• Herniorrhaphy (hernia closure)
• Resection of umbilical structures
• Repair of bladder rupture
• Removal of cystic calculi (bladder stone)
• Embryo transfer
• Repair of rectal tears

Advantages

• Minimally invasive
• Full visualization of surgical field
• Decreased convalescent time
• Smaller incisions / better appearance (cosmesis)
• Some procedures can be performed with the animal standing</li>
• Less morbidity
• Lower cost overall

Please call the UW/Morrie Waud Equine Center to find out more about laparoscopy in horses.