Hepatic biopsy under laparoscopic guide in horse: preliminary concerns

Aim of this work is to present two cases of hepatic biopsy under laparoscopic guide performed in two horses affected by hepatic diseases. The hepatic samples gave in both cases a accurate diagnosis. No complications after surgery were observed. The surgical time was 30 minutes in the first case and 20 min in the second one. The longer surgical time in the first case was due to use of laparoscopic ultrasound probe for choosing the correct site of withdrawal. The laparoscopic guide in standing horse has presented two big advantages comparing the ultrasound guide: 1-the visualization and magnification of the pathological organ; 2–the possibility to control immediately the bleeding in the site of biopsy, avoiding subsequentally complications. Futhermore, the use of a laparoscopic ultrasound probe in the first case has permitted to examine the surface and the internal structure of the liver, increasing the sensibility of the sample Our positive experience in the use of lapascopy as bioptical guide is confirmed by results reported by other authors in veterinary literature. Moreover, the only disadvantage of lapascopic technique rapresented by the only surface examination could be avoided using a laparoscopic ultrasound probe during the procedure.