Castration of the stallion: Preferably in the standing horse by laparoscopic techniques?

Abstract

SummaryProgress in the laparoscopic techniques has made it possible to remove an abdominal testicle in the standing horse. As abdominal cryptorchidism is usually unilateral, the descended testicle is removed using a classic standing castration technique. However, this latter technique is not considered ideal as it is difiicult to guarantee asepsis, and can be dangerous for the surgeon. Therefore, a study was initiated to castrate descended testicles in the standing horss using a laparoscopic technique. In six Welsh pony stallions, 2 years of age, each with 2 descended testicles, the mesorchium, including the testicular artery and vein, are ligated intraabdominally and the testicles are left in place. The measurements of plasmatestosteron levels, the clinical examination and the results of the necropsy of the ponies 5 months postoperatively revealed, that the testicles atrophy and were no longer functional. Also, the results of the surgery on I unilateral inguinal cryptorchids, one bilateral inguinal cryptorchid, 17 unilatetal abdominal cryptorchids (ot which 5 were castrated unjlateralJy), 2 bihteral abdominal cryptorchids and 12 .normal " stallions are described.In conclusion, the surgical technique described in this repon is a safe and efficient method of castrating descended testicles in the standing patient. Advantages include reduced tissue trauma, no risk because of general anaesthesia, a quicker return to normal work and reduced hospitalization time.

Laparoscopic-assisted diagnosis of anomalous unilateral abdominal cryptorchidism

“…The pony was suspected of right sided abdominal cryptorchidism. Standing laparoscopy was recommended to confirm an abdominal location of the testicle and, after localisation, subsequent ligation of the spermatic cord according to previously described techniques (Rijkenhuizen and Grinwis 1999; Rijkenhuizen and Van Dijk 2002). After completion of the laparoscopic procedure, it was planned to castrate the normally descended left testicle using the closed technique by inguinal approach under general anaesthesia (Schumacher 2006).…”

“…The (10 mm) portal for the laparoscope 5 was made midway between the last rib and tuber coxae just dorsal to the dorsal boundary of the internal abdominal oblique muscle. Abdominal insufflation was performed routinely (Rijkenhuizen and Grinwis 1999; Rijkenhuizen and Van Dijk 2002). A 5 mm instrument portal was created 5 cm ventral to the laparoscope portal.…”

Evaluation of diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities of laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy in the standing horse

“…und Vv. testicularis et ductus deferentis mit anschließender Durchtrennung des Gefäß-Samenstranges distal der Ligaturstelle, so dass der jeweilige Hoden einer aseptischen Nekrose unterliegt (Wilson und Hendrickson 1996, Rijkenhuizen 1999, Rijkenhuizen und van Dijk 2002. Hierbei muss jedoch berücksichtigt werden, dass es bei dieser Kastrationsmethode als postoperative Komplikation zu einer Revaskularisierung noch vitalen Hodengewebes kommen kann (Bergeron et al 1998, Litzke et al 2000 (Abb.…”

Evaluation of success rate of laparoscopic castration without orchidectomy in 32 mature horses

“…Earlier studies performed in donkeys, ponies and horses with normally descended testes have shown that intra‐abdominal ligation of the spermatic cord resulted in avascular necrosis of the testes and a decrease in basal testosterone (Wilson et al . ; Rijkenhuizen and Grinwis ; Walmsley ; Pepe et al . ).…”