Hysteroscopic removal of uterine cysts in mares I - Hysteroscopy and surgical procedures

Abstract

222 barren mares of different breeds underwent operative hysteroscopy for the treatment of uterine cysts during an eleven year period. Hysteroscopy was performed under sedation. Mares were in di- or anoestrus. Uterine distension was standardized with an intrauterine pressure between 20-30 mm Hg. Thermical preparation was achieved with high-frequency electrosurgery using micro instruments through the working channel of the endoscope. All visible cysts were resected with an electrosurgical loop. The loop was tightened around the base of the cyst and the cyst pulled towards the uterine lumen before resection. Small cysts which could not be fixed with the loop were coagulated. With the standard procedures, operative hysteroscopy could be completed with resection of all visible cysts in all the mares without complications. Therefore, the technique described here proved to be safe and efficient in a large number of treated mares. Compared to other preparation techniques, risk of recurrence is minimized, trauma of the tissue is only superficial and the wound healing is uncomplicated. The results of patho-histological examination of endometrial biopsies and of clinical follow-up with high rates of treated mares conceiving and foaling are presented in the second part of this study by Köllmann et al. (2008).