Intracorporeal suture closure of the internal inguinal and vaginal rings in foals and horses.

Objective: To report a technique for repair or prevention of inguinal hernia in horses using intracorporeal suture closure of the internal inguinal and vaginal rings.

Study Design: Case series.

Animals: Foals (n=6) and geldings (n=2).

Methods: After selection of a peri-umbilical telescope portal, instrument portals were made unilaterally or bilaterally, as needed. Herniated viscera was reduced, castration (foals) or spermatic cord remnant transection at the internal inguinal ring (adults) performed, and then simple interrupted intracorporeal sutures of synthetic absorbable suture material were used to close the internal inguinal and vaginal rings.

Results: There was no recurrence of inguinal hernia. Postoperative morbidity was minimal and cosmetic outcome was comparable to that achieved with conventional, open techniques.

Conclusion: Laparoscopic, primary closure of the internal inguinal ring by use of intracorporeal sutures provides a secure barrier to herniation and costs considerably less than using endoscopic staples.

Clinical Relevance: Laparoscopic suture closure of the internal inguinal and vaginal rings provides safe and effective repair of inguinal hernia in horses.