Laparoscopic Uteropexy (Mesometrium Imbrication) in Three Mares Using a Barbed Suture

•Barbed suture appears to be efficacious in elevating and maintaining in place a large pendulous uterus.•The use of barbed suture allowed for efficient suturing and reduced time spent in making knots.•The use of barbed suture in three mares was not associated with complications.

The aim of this study is to describe the surgical technique, complications and outcome of laparoscopic uteropexy in three mares using an absorbable barbed suture. Three old multiparous mares were referred for laparoscopic uteropexy. History information included abnormal uterine position, regular ovarian activity and recurrent uterine fluid accumulation during estrus or post-breeding. The mares had been unsuccessfully bred for years. Physical examination of each mare revealed an abnormal perineal conformation and a large pendulous uterus. Per rectum ultrasound examination failed to reveal any abnormalities. Laparoscopic uteropexy was performed using an absorbable suture with unidirectional shallow barbs. There were no complications neither intraoperative nor postoperative. Follow-up examination confirmed that uterine position was more dorsally in the abdomen. Two mares became pregnant without other treatments the following breeding season and delivered two live foals. This is the first report on the use of a barbed suture in laparoscopic uteropexy. With Barbed suture is a new surgical suture that gives surgeons the possibility to perform suture without making knots. Barbed suture could be useful during laparoscopic surgery when performing knots represents a difficult and time consuming procedure. Despite barbed suture is becoming popular in human laparoscopic surgery, there are very few reports on its use in horses.