Objective: To describe a surgical technique for, and outcome after, laparoscopic vasectomy of free-ranging elephants.
Study design: Case series.
Animals: African elephants (Loxodonta africana; n = 14).
Methods: Male elephants (12-35 years old) were anesthetized with etorphine and supported in a sling in a modified standing position, and positive pressure ventilated with oxygen. Anesthesia was maintained with IV etorphine. Vasectomy was performed under field conditions by bilateral, open-approach, flank laparoscopy with the abdomen insufflated with filtered ambient air. A 4-cm segment of each ductus deferens was excised. Behavior and incision healing were recorded for 8 months postoperatively.
Results: Successful bilateral vasectomy (surgical time, 57-125 minutes) was confirmed by histologic examination of excised tissue. Recovery was uneventful without signs of abnormal behavior. Large intestine lacerations (3 elephants; 1 full and 2 partial thickness) were sutured extracorporeally. One elephant found dead at 6 weeks, had no prior abnormal signs. Skin incisions healed without complication.
Conclusions: Laparoscopic vasectomy can be performed in African elephants in their natural environment.
© Copyright 2014 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.