Difference between emasculators and effects in castration
In the equine world, one of the most often performed procedures is orchiectomy (castration). Emasculators are used in both open and closed castrations and the two most often used instruments are Serra and Reimer. There are differences in their mechanisms and their method of performance. This study aims to compare and evaluate the two emasculators and their performance, the differences and similarities between them.
Main difference between the Serra and Reimer emasculators is how they function. The Reimer crushes the tissue and the surgeon has to remove the testis using a blade with a separate handle; the Serra cuts and crushes in the same time. In this study all tests were performed by the same surgeon. After each castration, the detached part of each testis was further examined. The remaining part of the testicular artery was also a subject of further testing. Maximum leaking pressure was measured. In open castration it was a lot higher when Reimer was used and in closed castrations there was no difference.
In open castration both instruments produced leaking pressure values higher than physiological values. In closed castrations, however, the Serra emasculator produced leaking pressure close to physiological conditions. The study suggests there might be a connection between leaking pressure and the amount of tissue crushed by the emasculator. The presence or absence of parietal tunic is suggested to be the only factor affecting the leaking pressure. However, more studies are needed to evaluate the post-castration hemorrhage in clinical setting.
> From: Comino et al., Equine Vet J 50 (2017) 141-144. All rights reserved to EVJ Ltd . Click here for the online summary.
