Laparoscopic transection of restrictive bands of the mesosalpinx as adjunct to the use of prostaglandin E2 for mares with suspected uterine tubal blockage

OBJECTIVE: To describe the laparoscopic transection of restrictive bands of the mesosalpinx as a useful adjunct to the topical application of prostaglandin E2 to treat mares with suspected uterine tubal blockage. METHODS: A standard left flank laparoscopic approach was made to the abdomen using three laparoscopic portals. If restrictive bands of the mesosalpinx were observed traversing the uterine tube perpendicularly, they were carefully transected and 1 mg of prostaglandin E2 was then applied to the external surface of the uterine tube. Skin incisions were closed with surgical staples and the procedure was repeated on the right uterine tube. RESULTS: Nine Thoroughbred mares suspected of uterine tubal blockage were treated. The treated mares had been barren for 1.8 years on average (range: 1-5 years). The overall postoperative conception rate in treated mares was 89% (8/9 mares). The mean number of mated oestrus cycles before pregnancy in the eight mares that conceived was 1.9 ± 1.6. These mares had been bred on average 6.2 ± 1.9 cycles without becoming pregnant prior to surgery. CONCLUSION: Transection of restrictive bands of the mesosalpinx is easily performed as an adjunctive procedure to laparoscopic-guided application of prostaglandin E2 to the uterine tube. The procedure does not appear to have any detrimental effects on fertility and may improve fertility in a particular subset of mares with complicated uterine tubal disease.