A Rare Animal Surgery Brings Together a Variety of Human and Animal Specialists

     On February 6, 2001, Drs.Steve Priddle, Bonnie Catterson, and Dennis Olsen performed a laparoscopic tubal ligation on a Sumatran orangutan. Dr. Olsen is a surgeon at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University, while Drs. Catterson and Priddle are OB/GYNs for the Women's Health Group in Manhattan, Kan.

     "We removed the fimbria and part of the fallopian tubes on this orangutan. The fimbria acts as a catcher's mitt when the egg is released from the ovary. The fimbria guides the egg to the fallopian tubes and then onto the uterus. The ovary is still in place so she will still cycle but she won't be able to become pregnant. The procedure is common in human medicine, however, it's not a routine procedure in veterinary medicine," Dr. Olsen said.

Typically, a laproscopic tubal ligation consists of blocking the fallopian tubes so that conception cannot take place. This may be done with cautery, clips or rings.

     "Minimally invasive procedures such as laparoscopy are common in human medical care. This was a unique opportunity to work in veterinary medicine and incorporate these techniques into their repertoire. The anatomy of orangutans is virtually identical to that of humans. Therefore, we were able to use the same equipment and techniques," Dr. Catterson said.

     Three small incisions were made in the abdomen, one just below the belly button and two smaller incisions in the lower belly. The belly button incision was used for the laproscope and the two smaller incisions were instrument ports.

     "The great thing about this surgery is the collaboration of specialists in the Manhattan community. Veterinarians from many areas of the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital participated in the procedure. Drs. Catterson and Priddle are specialists in human obstetrics and gynecology and routinely perform tubal ligations. We're always looking for ways to bring these specialists together and this was a fantastic opportunity to work together," said Dr. Ramiro Isaza, a K-State faculty member in zoological medicine and who is a primary caregiver for animals at Rolling Hills. Dr. Isaza, along with Dr. James Carpenter of the Exotic Animal Medicine Service, orchestrated the team effort.

     The patient, Rubi, is a seven-year-old female Sumatran orangutan that currently lives at the Rolling Hills Refuge Wildlife and Conservation Center, near Salina, Kan. The conservation center and veterinarians from the college formed a partnership last summer to care for the rare and endangered animals housed at Rolling Hills.

     Rubi is part of the orangutan Species Survival Plan or SSP, which strives to preserve genetic lines and propagation of this species. It was their recommendation that Rubi should not become a breeder because of inbreeding. Orangutans generally reach sexual maturity around age 10. Rubi will be allowed to live with other orangutans without the potential of becoming pregnant.