Orchiectomy and scrotal ablation using a bipolar electrothermal sealing device in macropods: Four cases

Background

Permanent surgical orchiectomy with or without scrotal ablation has become the contraceptive method of choice in male macropods, as reversible chemical methods have found little success.

Case descriptions

Four cases of elective orchiectomy and scrotal ablation utilizing an electrothermal bipolar tissue sealing device (LigaSure^TM), a novel technique, was described in 1 red kangaroo (Osphranter rufus), 1 parma wallaby (Notamacropus parma), and 2 red-necked wallabies (Notamacropus rufogriseus). The mean surgical time was 90 seconds. Two cases experienced incision dehiscence during routine postoperative hospitalization. In both cases, the incision was reapposed using skin staples (Case 1) or suture (Case 2), with no further complications noted. No long-term complications were noted following orchiectomy in any of the cases.

Conclusions

While orchiectomy and scrotal ablation were rapid in the described cases with no long-term complications, barbering, and subsequent incisional dehiscence were noted within the first 24 hours postoperatively, requiring reapposition in 2 cases. The authors recommend utilizing appropriately sized vessel-sealing devices based on the size of the scrotal stalk, adequate analgesia, closure with suture, and use of a diaper or an Elizabethan collar to decrease the incidence of incisional dehiscence.