Coelioscopic and Endoscope-Assisted Sterilization of Chelon

摘要

ctive sterilization is a safe and well-established surgical procedure performed in dogs and cats worldwide. Conversely, chelonian sterilization has been mostly performed as part of the treatment of a reproductive disorder, because of the intricate anatomy and difficult access to the reproductive organs. Previously, in order to gain access to the testes and ovaries, one would have to perform a central plastron coeliotomy, a recognized invasive, traumatic, and long surgical procedure. Later, the development of soft tissue prefemoral approach allowed a less-invasive but still limited access to the coelom and reproductive tract. As an example, prefemoral coeliotomy may not provide adequate visualization of the coelomic cavity in chelonians that have relatively small prefemoral fossae. In addition, exteriorization of the ovaries through the prefemoral coeliotomy of immature females is not possible. Nevertheless, the benefits of prefemoral coeliotomy include faster recovery, shorter healing times, and reduced pain when compared with traditional central plastron coeliotomy.With advances in chelonian endoscopy, novel techniques for soft tissue prefemoral coelioscopic and endoscope-assisted sterilization have been published. Such techniques were shown to provide the same benefits as traditional prefemoral approaches, with the advantage of improved visualization of the coelomic cavity and the ability to perform intracorporeal surgery. At present, minimally invasive techniques for chelonian sterilization can be offered for many species, opening a new revenue stream for exoticpractitioners.This article summarizes and describes current coelioscopic and endoscope-assisted chelonian sterilization techniques. An appreciation of the normal chelonian anatomy, physiology, and anesthesia is paramount, and the reader is encouraged to review the previously published literature.