Laparoscopic Procedures
A list of procedures performed and conditions addressed laparoscopically includes but is not limited to:
 
Female Reproductive Tract
 
Ovariectomy - Surgical removal of one or both ovaries.
Granulosa cell tumor, other neplasia
Behavioral issues

 

Ovariectomy - Surgical removal of one or both ovaries

 

Uteroplexy

 

Uterine Tears - This procedure is performed to improve uterine clearance of fluid.

  • Deposition of prostaglandin E2 on oviducts

 

Male Reproductive Tract
 
Cryptorchid Castration
With local anesthetic and sedation or under general anesthesia, a small camera is introduced through a small incision in the body wall and can help in localization of a retained testicle within the abdomen. After localization of the testicle, state-of-the-art instrumentation (LigaSure) is used to safely ligate the vascular supply and facilitate removal of the testicle through the small incision. Minimally invasive, faster return to work/training, decreased complication rate.
 
Physiologic Castration
With local anesthetic and sedation or under general anesthesia, a small camera is introduced through a small incision in the body wall to visualize the spermatic cord, which contains the vascular and nerve supply to the testis. After localization of the cord, electrocautery and transection of the spermatic cord to eliminate the testicular blood supply is performed without removal of the testicles. This results in a loss of reproductive function and, eventually, the testicles begin to shrink. The benefits of this procedure include a fast return to athletic function and an excellent cosmetic outcome.
 
Inguinal Hernia Repair with Testicle-Sparing
Replacement of intestine that has herniated into the scrotum through the inguinal ring with partial closure of the inguinal ring and without removal of the testicle can be performed using "keyhole" surgery in both foals and adult horses. This procedure allows for maintenance of the reproductive potential of the patient.
 
Scrotal Hernia
Testicle-sparing repair
 
Urinary Tract
 
Bladder tears - Foals and adults (hand-assisted)
 
Urolithiasis - Bladder stone removal
 
Hand-Assisted Nephrectomy - Removal of a diseased kidney
 
Abdominal/Gastrointestinal Surgery
 
Exploration
 
Adhesiolysis - The removal of adhesions within the abdomen.
 
Biopsy
 
Body Wall Hernia
 
Ablation/Closure of the Nephrosplenic Space - Reduces the incidence of large colon entrapment within this space thus reducing the risk of this form of colic.
 
Ablation/Closure of the Epiploic Foramen - Reduces the incidence of small intestinal entrapment within this space thus reducing the risk of this form of colic.
 
Chest/Lungs (Thoracoscopy)
 
Lung Biopsy
 
Adhesiolysis - Removal of adhesions within the chest cavity after severe inflammation/infection within the chest.
 
Diaphragmatic Hernia - Closure of a defect in the diaphragm that improves respiration and prevents herniation of intestine into the chest cavity.
 
Pleuropneumonia - Thoracoscopic removal of fibrin, purulent materia and necrotic tissue from the pleural space.