Wound Retractor Laparoscopic Port System for Standing Laparoscopic Cryptorchidectomy in the Horse: A Case Report

• Published in: Journal of equine veterinary science 2020-09, Vol.92, p.103168, Article 103168
• Main Authors: Lacitignola, Luca, Imperante, Annarita, De Siena, Rocco, Acquafredda, Claudia, Trisciuzzi, Rodrigo, Stabile, Marzia, Confalonieri, Ester, Crovace, Alberto Maria, Staffieri, Francesco
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Cryptorchid; Cryptorchidism - surgery; Cryptorchidism - veterinary; Horse; Horse Diseases - surgery; Horses; Humans; Laparoscopes; Laparoscopic port system; Laparoscopy - veterinary; Male; Orchiectomy - veterinary; Standing laparoscopy; Wound retractor
• ISSN: 0737-0806; 1542-7412
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103168

Cryptorchidectomy is the most commonly performed laparoscopic procedure in horses. However, its use for the extraction of an abdominal testis has disadvantages such as loss of a resected testis from grasp and fragmentation of the specimen because of the excessive tension required for extraction through a thick body wall. The ring wound retractor laparoscopic port system was recently used in human and small animal surgery to perform laparoscopic-assisted procedures and retrieve large specimens from the abdomen. In the present case, the wound retractor was placed as the ventral port in the right flank through a minilaparotomy. Thereafter, the cap with the gas inlet and instrument port was connected. The other two ports were placed dorsally using 10-mm stainless steel cannulas. Grasping forcep was introduced through the ventral port, and the laparoscope and vessel-sealing devices were introduced through the dorsal ports. After the testis was resected, it was retrieved from the abdomen through the retractor without the grasping forceps jaw being released. This is the first case report describing the use of the wound retractor laparoscopic port system for standing cryptorchidectomy in a horse. This system can be a feasible and safe option for flank laparoscopy in horses, and it facilitates specimen retrieval from the abdominal cavity, but further studies should confirm this preliminary report. •This is the first case report describing the use of the wound retractor laparoscopic port system for standing cryptorchidectomy in a horse.•The wound retractor laparoscopic system can be a feasible and safe option for flank laparoscopy in the horse.•This system facilitated specimen retrieval from the abdominal cavity.