Professor Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany Giessen, Germany
Diagnostic laparoscopy provides the possibility of exploring the abdominal cavity systematically in order to determine the type, localization and degree of intraabdominal pathological changes. In the majority of the cases, laparoscopy is then undertaken in the standing sedated horse. In this position the majority of intraabdominal adhesions and inflammatory prcesses - leading to recurent colic - which are often located in the most cranial or caudal region of the abdominal cavity, can be visualized and treated by a laparoscopic procedure. The laparoscoy is an endoscopic-assisted surgical procedure in which the abdominal cavity, the intra-abdominal organs and the peritoneal surfaces can be visualized and evaluated. Performed in the standing sedated horse under local anaesthesia or in general anaesthesia, the laparoscopy allows among others the examination of almost all regions of the abdominal cavity which cannot be visualized by laparotomy. The surgical intervention is minimal-invasive so it can be managed with small portal sides. Only for removal of organs, concrements as well as malignant or benign tumors the incision has to be enlarged accordingly.