Laparoscopic techniques for investigating the equine oviduct.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: The diagnostic and therapeutic options for oviduct disorders in the mare are limited. The current best techniques require exploratory surgery under general anaesthesia or flank laparotomy.

HYPOTHESIS: The orthograde flushing of the oviduct for diagnostic or therapeutic options is possible using laparoscopic techniques in the standing sedated mare.

METHODS

Development of a laparoscopic technique for catheterisation of the infundibulum and flushing of the oviduct (sterile methylene blue solution) in the standing sedated mare was examined in 2 experiments. The first involved a transvaginal laparoscopic approach, the second a laparoscopic flank approach. Passage of fluid into the uterus was assessed by post operative hysteroscopy.

RESULTS

In Experiment I, visualisation of the infundibulum was possible (left side 7/8 cases, right side in 6/8 cases). The beginning of the oviductal ampulla could be seen in 3 of 8 cases on the left side. An adequate opening of the infundibulum and visualisation or catheterisation of the abdominal ostium were not possible. In Experiment II, catheterisation of the ampulla was successful in 7 of 11 cases, and in 5 of these 7 cases the injected fluid could be identified in the uterus by post operative hysteroscopy.

CONCLUSION

A transvaginal laparoscopic approach to the oviduct is not appropriate for oviductal flushing in the mare. However, a laparoscopic flank-approach permits investigation and flushing of the oviduct.

POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Laparoscopic flushing could become a practical method for diagnosis and therapy of oviduct disorders and a minimally invasive technique for collection of young embryos or the transfer of gametes (GIFT).