Standing laparoscopy combined with a conventional inguinal approach to treat extended septic funiculitis in 12 horses.

OBJECTIVE To describe a 2-step surgical procedure combining standing laparoscopy with a conventional inguinal approach to treat deep intra-abdominal funiculitis (extended septic funiculitis) after castration. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case series. SAMPLE POPULATION Twelve client-owned horses. METHODS Medical records of horses treated for extended septic funiculitis with the 2-step surgical procedure were reviewed. Data collected included the initial castration technique, number of surgical interventions for septic funiculitis prior to presentation, clinical signs, diagnostic and surgical procedure, and short-term and long-term survival. RESULTS Complete resection of the infected spermatic cord was achieved without intraoperative complications. Intra-abdominal adhesions were documented in 6 horses, involving the ascending colon (4 cases) and descending colon (2 cases). Postoperatively, minor incisional swelling (2/12) and emphysema (3/12) at the laparoscopic portals were observed. All horses survived to discharge. At 3 months, wounds had completely healed without complications. No recurrence of signs was recorded at long-term follow up (4-36 months after discharge). CONCLUSION In cases of extended septic funiculitis, complete resection of the infected spermatic cord can be safely performed using a laparoscopic-assisted surgical approach, reducing postoperative complications and risk of recurrence of infection.