Objective: To describe a technique for standing inguinal hernioplasty in horses using cyanoacrylate glue, and to evaluate its effect on prevention of recurrent inguinal herniation in stallions that had previous acquired strangulated inguinal hernia (SIH).
Study design: Case series.
Animals: Stallions (n = 10) with a history of SIH.
Methods: Hernioplasty was performed in standing horses using 4 laparoscopic portals. The mesorchium was retracted caudomedially using Babcock forceps. A flexible polyethylene extension tube was introduced through the sheath of a laparoscopic needle and n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (2 mL) was injected into the inguinal canal including its margins while a 2nd Babcock forceps prevented deep ventral diffusion of the cyanoacrylate. The craniolateral parts of the vaginal ring were compressed until full adhesion between the visceral and parietal walls was achieved. In 2 horses, the lateral part of the vaginal ring was sutured before gluing. A contralateral approach was used to check the caudomedial part of the vaginal ring.
Results: No recurrence (1-4 years) of inguinal hernia was reported. No major complications occurred and cosmetic outcome was excellent. All horses were used for their intended purpose and 7 horses being used as breeding stallions remained fertile.
Conclusion: Standing inguinal hernioplasty using cyanoacrylate seems to provide efficient and secure closure of the vaginal ring in stallions.
Keywords: hernia; horse; laparoscopy.
© Copyright 2013 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.