Laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy in standing horse using the ligasure™

A standing laparoscopic technique for cryptorchidectomy of horses using theLigaSure ™ device for division of the spermatic cord isdescribed. Twenty horses were referred for suspected unilateral cryptorchidism.After preparation, all horses underwent standing laparoscopy. In every horse thefirst trocar was positioned in the right flank; if a retained testis waseventually detected, two other laparoscopic portals were made in the same flankvertically. In case of left cryptorchidism three portals were created on theleft flank in a specular position. The first instrument portal was used to graspthe testicle with traumatic forceps while the second portal was used to insertthe LigaSure ™ device and dissect the spermatic cord. Thetesticle was removed through an enlarged portal; in three cases an Endopouch Probasket (Ethicon Endosurgery) was used for withdrawal of the testis. Nocomplications occurred during or after surgery. Mean time for dieresis of thespermatic cord was 8 minutes; 60 minutes was the mean time required for theoverall procedure from sedation to the exit of the horse from the stock (range40 - 80 min.). In our opinion the use of the LigaSure ™ systemseems to reduce surgical time, tissue damage and warrants good haemostasis.