Ovary: colpotomy

Introduction

• Ovaries are removed from mares for two reasons - pathologic changes or management practices.
• A number of different approaches and techniques are available to the surgeon.
• Ovariectomy is associated with a higher frequency of peri-operative complications than other elective surgical procedures.

Uses

• Removal of ovaries bilaterally from mares not intended for breeding, ie management reasons    .
• Removal of ovarian neoplasia    , eg teratoma , adenoma, adenocarcinoma granulosa cell tumor    , lymphosarcoma .

Advantages

• Treatment of choice for removal of ovarian neoplasia.
• Standing sedation can be used for ovariectomy via colpotomy.

Disadvantages

• High frequency of peri-operative complications - some of which can be life-threatening.
• Technically difficult to exteriorise ovary and ligate it.

Requirements

Materials required

Minimum equipment

• Standard surgical kit.
• Ecraseur.

Preparation

• Standing sedation    : 10-15 min.
• Epidural anesthesia    : 10-15 min.
• Aseptic preparation: 10 min.

Outcomes

Complications

• Associated with high incidence of peri-operative complications:
  • Post-operative myopathy/neuropathy    .
  • Wound infections.
  • Wound dehiscence.
  • Eventration.
  • Vaginal adhesions.
  • Peritonitis    .
  • Post-operative pain.
  • Hemorrhage.

Prognosis

• Depends upon primary reason for surgery.
• Guarded for behavioral reasons - although normal oestrus cycles are prevented, this may not alleviate the abnormal behavior.
• Guarded for ovarian granulosa theca cell tumors    .
• Unilateral resection: mares return to estrus in mean of 8.5 months (usually must go through the winter cycle).
• Once the normal cycle has started, fertility appears to be unaffected.

Reasons for treatment failure

• Failure to remove all ovarian tissue.