Laparoscopy of the GI Tract in the Horse

The aim of this lecture is to highlight the most common laparoscopic procedures involving the GI tract in the horse and to give the practioner some update of what can be done laparoscopically in the standing and recumbent horse.

The most common procedures are:

• Closure of the nephrosplenic space

• Closure of the vaginal ring (internal inguinal ring) to prevent strangulated inguinal herniation in stallions. 

Less common procedures are: 

• Collection of small intestinal biopsies

• Laparoscopic repair of incisional hernias after colic surgery

• Laparoscopic nephrectomy

• Laparoscopic assisted cystotomy to remove bladder stones in male horses

• Laparoscopic repair of bladder tears in adults

• Laparoscopic repair of mesenteric rents

• Laparoscopic colopexy

• Laparoscopic adhesiolysis

• Diagnostic laparoscopy in acute and chronic colics and/or chronic weight loss

• Laparoscopic biopsy taking (tumours)

• Laparoscopic treatment of intra-abdominal abscess

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