Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Instrumentation and techniques in transendoscopic upper respiratory tract laser surgery.
- Journal:
- The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice
- Year:
- 1996
- Authors:
- Tulleners, E
- Affiliation:
- School of Veterinary Medicine · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Transendoscopic laser surgery is a new and safe way for veterinarians to perform surgeries on a horse's upper respiratory system without making large cuts. This method uses special lasers, like the Nd:YAG laser, and newer options like diode and holmium:YAG lasers, which can be very effective. Important tools for this surgery include long grasping forceps and a good-quality camera or endoscope to see inside the horse's throat. This approach can help avoid more invasive surgeries, and horses usually recover quickly, often getting back to normal activities in about a week to two weeks. Overall, this type of surgery is well-received by trainers and owners, and it tends to be more affordable in larger veterinary practices or universities.
Abstract
Transendoscopic laser surgery provides equine surgeons with a safe, reliable, and minimally invasive method of performing many surgical procedures in the upper respiratory tract. Although the Nd:YAG laser has proven efficacy, other newer lasers such as the diode and holmium: YAG lasers may prove to be useful tools for equine upper respiratory tract surgery. Long grasping forceps and a high quality fiberoptic or video endoscope are critical components necessary for performing transendoscopic laser surgery. For many of the most common upper respiratory tract abnormalities, a laryngotomy can be eliminated, morbidity is minimal, the horse can often return to normal exercise in approximately 7 to 14 days, and trainer and owner acceptance is excellent. Transendoscopic laser surgery is most likely to be cost effective in large referral practices or in a university setting.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8856882/