A Review of Equine Laparoscopy

Minimally invasive surgery in the human was first identified in mid 900’s. The procedure as is more commonly practiced now was first reported in 1912. There have been many advances and new techniques developed in the past 100 years. Equine laparoscopy, was first reported in the 1970’s, and similarly has undergone much transformation in the last 40 years. It is now considered the standard of care in many surgical techniques such as cryptorchidectomy, ovariectomy, nephrosplenic space ablation, standing abdominal exploratory, and many other reproductive surgeries. This manuscript describes the history of minimally invasive surgery, and highlights many of the techniques that are currently performed in equine surgery. Special attention is given to instrumentation, ligating techniques, and the surgical principles of equine minimally invasive surgery. 1. History of Laparoscopy Laparoscopy and thoracoscopy are endoscopic surgical techniques performed in the abdominal and thoracic cavities, respectively. A recent review by Spaner and Warnock describes the history of human endoscopy, laparoscopy, and laparoscopic surgery in detail [1]. In summary, we are the benefactors of all the work that has gone before us. The first reported use of reflected light to examine the cervix was by the Arabian physician Albukasim (936–1013 A.D.). The next reports were in the early 1800s where Bozzini used a mirror, illuminated by a wax candle, to examine the urethra. Many thought that this was simply a joy. In the mid-1800’s Desormeaux developed a burner that used alcohol and turpentine on a WIC for illumination using open to endoscopy. Thermal injuries were the greatest concern to the structures being evaluated. George Kelling, in 1901, provided the 1st attempt at endoscopy of the peritoneal cavity. For insufflation he used sterile filtered oxygen and a cystoscope to look at the peritoneal cavity of liue dogs. Jakobaeus described 109 laparoscopys on 69 patients in 1912. The patients had conditions such as cirrhosis of the liver, metastatic cancer, and tuberculosis peritonitis. Later, Zollikofer used carbon dioxide to obtain pneumoperitoneum, which reduced pain and thermal complications. Kalk used a 135° forward viewing lens system and a dual trocar technique to simultaneously pass instruments into the abdomen. In 1935, Kalk wrote: “This method really does not deserve the widespread opposition that still exists today, normally based on total ignorance….” The first laparoscopic interventions were described in the 1930’s. Fervers, performed adhesiolysis and diagnostic biopsies of