abs: A Resorbable Tie-wrap for Cryptorchidectomy
_{Large Animal Scientific Abstracts}

The use of a self-locking resorbable loop device, LigaTie®, to ligate vessels and tissues has yielded promising results in other species. Our objectives were to report the use and feasibility of this tie-wrap-like device in equine laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy. We hypothesized that the device would provide appropriate hemostasis of the spermatic cord without significant complications and would require minimal training for its use. Cryptorchid horses were anesthetized in dorsal recumbency and laparoscopy was carried out. The device was inserted into the abdomen, glided around the testis/cord, tightened and then, the spermatic cord was transected and the testis was removed. Procedural details and remarks, peri-operative complications and total surgical time were recorded. Owner follow-up was obtained by telephone questionnaire. Twenty unilateral cryptorchid horses were included. Median total surgical time was 67 min (43-189 min). The loop device was easily glided around 13/20 abdominal testes. Gliding the loop around larger testes (horses ≥3years) took longer and required more technical skills. Good hemostasis was noted in 17 horses while 3 demonstrated mild intra-operative bleeding. Three horses developed hemoabdomen postoperatively and were successfully managed medically. After discharge, no significant complications related to the surgery were reported but one horse was euthanized for colic 4 months after surgery. Device use requires minimal laparoscopic expertise although a learning curve was seen and appropriate device tightening is required to prevent hemoabdomen. Repeat laparoscopy to assess healing and adhesion formation was not performed. The use of this device is a safe and alternative technique for laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy.