Development of a technique for standing hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy in five horses.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To develop an experimental standing hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy (HALS) technique, report the associated peri-operative complications and document the short-term surgical outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS: Five healthy 300-470 kg horses that underwent standing HALS. Spleens of different weights (2.25-7.0 kg) were removed using this technique. The main complication during surgery was difficulty sectioning the gastrosplenic ligament. The postoperative complications included adhesions of the colon to the nephrosplenic ligament stump and incisional discharge in two horses. CONCLUSIONS: Standing HALS is a feasible experimental procedure for medium-sized horses, which avoids rib excision and general anaesthesia, but requires further development.