Electrosurgical bipolar vessel sealing for a standing flank ovariectomy in beef heifers

Abstract

Traditional ovariectomy techniques for heifers (e.g. colpotomy) have adverse effects ranging
from hemorrhage to mortality. Electrosurgical bipolar vessel sealing devices offer a superior ligation of
ovarian pedicle and associated structures. In ruminants, standing flank laparotomy has been used for
abdominal visibility. We performed ovariectomy in 2 companion beef heifers via a unilateral flank
approach, combined with electrosurgical ligation. Surgeries were performed in standing animals, under
local anesthesia, with no observed short- or long-term adverse effects. This technique is worth
considering for cases where the security of electrosurgical ligation combined with the accessibility of a
flank laparotomy are desired. Additional research is needed to determine the viability of the technique for
cattle of various ages and breeds.