Topic:Celiotomy
Celiotomy, also known as laparotomy, is a surgical procedure involving an incision into the abdominal cavity of horses. It is performed for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, often to address conditions such as colic, abdominal masses, or reproductive issues. The procedure allows veterinarians to directly examine and treat internal organs, including the intestines, liver, and uterus. Various techniques and approaches are used depending on the underlying condition and the horse's anatomy. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the indications, surgical techniques, postoperative care, and outcomes associated with celiotomy in equine patients.
A cross-sectional study of colic and rate of return to racing in Thoroughbreds at Seoul Racecourse in Korea between 2010 and 2020. The incidence of colic and the outcomes of colic surgery have not been surveyed in racetracks in Korea. Objective: This study examined the incidence, mortality, and case fatality of colic and investigated the effects of age and sex after an exploratory celiotomy on the long-term survival rate (return to racing), subsequent racing performance, and career longevity. Methods: The incidence, mortality, and case fatalities of colic were examined over an 11-year period. The records of 40 horses that had undergone a celiotomy, after participating in at least one race and 75 race-matched control horse...
The Effects of Antimicrobial Protocols and Other Perioperative Factors on Postoperative Complications in Horses Undergoing Celiotomy: A Retrospective Analysis, 2008-2021. Recognition of antimicrobial resistance in equine practice has increased over the past decade. The objective of this study was to provide an updated retrospective review of antimicrobial regimens in one tertiary referral hospital and to evaluate the association with postoperative complications. A secondary objective was to evaluate other perioperative factors including surgical procedure, anesthetic and recovery parameters, and the effect of perioperative medications on complications and outcomes. A computerized search of medical records was performed to identify horses undergoing exploratory ...
Repeat Celiotomy-Current Status. Repeat celiotomy can be lifesaving in horses with a surgically treatable postoperative obstruction, although guidelines for its use are lacking, except for uncontrollable postoperative pain. Overdiagnosis of ileus as the cause of postoperative obstruction could delay a second surgery so the disease progresses beyond a manageable level of severity. Although many horses respond favorably to repeat celiotomy, complications can be severe and life threatening, such as incisional infection and adhesions. Repeat celiotomy does not seem to exacerbate postoperative ileus, despite additional surgical ma...
Current Antimicrobial Use in Horses Undergoing Exploratory Celiotomy: A Survey of Board-Certified Equine Specialists. In the past decade, there has been a considerable increase in the recognition of antimicrobial resistance in equine practice. The objective of this study was to survey the current clinical use of antimicrobials for a commonly performed surgical procedure (exploratory celiotomy) with the goal of understanding how recent literature and changes in microbial resistance patterns may have impacted antimicrobial selection practices. An electronic survey was distributed to veterinary professionals within the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) and the American College of Veterinar...
A multicenter retrospective case-cohort study on the prevalence of incisional morbidities in late pregnant mares following exploratory celiotomy (2014-2019): 579 cases. To report the prevalence and risk factors for incisional morbidities in late pregnant and nonpregnant/early pregnant control mares following colic surgery. Methods: Multicenter, retrospective, cohort study from January 2014 to December 2019. Methods: Two university teaching hospitals and 1 private referral center. Methods: Five hundred and seventy-nine fillies and mares ≥2 years old that underwent celiotomy. Pregnant mares (n = 54) were >240 days in gestation from the last known breeding date and were compared to control females (n = 525) undergoing colic surgery. Methods: None. Resu...
Comparison of the zip skin closure system with conventional suture for skin closure of ventral midline incisions in horses. To compare the application and healing of the zip skin closure system (ZSCS) with sutured closure by use of a split-scar model of ventral midline incisions in horses in a prospective, randomized experimental study. Methods: 8 adult horses. Methods: All horses underwent an exploratory ventral midline celiotomy with a standardized 30-cm skin incision. Each horse was randomized to have either the cranial 15 cm closed with suture and caudal 15 cm with the ZSCS or vice versa (split-scar model). Skin closure time was recorded and compared. Photography and skin biopsies were taken preoperatively and ...
Complications and Comorbidities in Foals Undergoing Surgical Repair for Uroperitoneum. Surgical repair is frequently effective at resolving uroperitoneum in foals, though complications occur. Despite their occurrence, management strategies used to address these complications, and their impact on survival are not clearly defined. To better describe the complications following surgical correction of uroperitoneum and to document treatment strategies and outcomes after intervention, a multi-center retrospective case series was performed. Medical record data of foals undergoing surgical treatment for uroperitoneum were retrieved from three surgical centers, and cases identified with...
Use of Polyamide (Nylon) Cable Ties for Vascular Ligation of Healthy Equine Jejunal Mesentery. Jejunal vascular ligation is an essential step in performing jejunojejunostomy. Hand sewn ligation is typically used and can increase operative time with long sections of bowel to be removed. Nylon cable ties (NCT) have been used for vascular ligation in horses but are yet to be investigated for application on the mesenteric vasculature of the gastrointestinal tract. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy and short-term safety of NCT jejunal mesenteric vessel ligation in healthy horses. Eight healthy adult horses underwent midline celiotomy. A segment of jejunal mesentery was identified (â...
Use of polyamide cable ties during experimental omentectomy in adult horses with histopathological assessment. To report the use of nylon cable ties (NCT) for omentectomy in the horse. Methods: Experimental study. Methods: Eight healthy adult horses. Methods: Horses underwent nylon cable tie (NCT) ligation of the greater omentum after ventral midline celiotomy. The time required to complete the omentectomy was recorded. Horses were recovered for 14 days before repeat celiotomy, adhesions assessment, and histological examination of the omentectomy site using a proposed histologic grading scheme. The total time for omentectomy procedure and histologic score was assessed for normality. Data are expresse...
Redundant mesocolonic mesentery in a Shire colt. An unusual condition in a 3-month-old Shire colt presented for colic unresponsive to medical therapy is documented in this report. A redundant mesocolonic mesentery resulting in intestinal displacement and volvulus was diagnosed during exploratory celiotomy. The finding was presumed to be congenital, resulting in a loose anatomic configuration that predisposed the intestine to displacement, torsion, volvulus, and entrapment. Key clinical message: This case demonstrates that congenial anatomical anomalies should be included in the differential of younger animals presented for recurrent conditio...
Ex vivo comparison of the bursting strength of an equine ventral midline celiotomy covered by two standard abdominal bandages. To determine the compressive effect of abdominal bandages after ventral midline celiotomy closure in horses. Methods: Ex vivo, experimental study. Methods: Equine cadavers (n = 18), six per group. Methods: A 20-cm ventral midline celiotomy was created in each of 18 equine cadavers. A 200-L inflatable bladder was placed in the abdomen, and the linea alba was apposed. Horses were randomly assigned to no bandage (C), elastic (E), or Velcro inelastic (I) bandage groups for testing. Circumferential bandages were placed with a subbandage pressure monitoring system over the incision. The bladder was ...
Use of aminoglycoside antibiotics in equine clinical practice; a questionnaire-based study of current use. Veterinary use of the aminoglycoside antibiotics is under increasing scrutiny. This questionnaire-based study aimed to document the use of aminoglycosides with a particular focus on gentamicin. An online questionnaire was delivered to generalist equine veterinary surgeons and specialists in internal medicine to determine the perceived importance, frequency of use and routes of administration of the aminoglycoside antibiotics. A series of hypothetical scenarios were also evaluated regarding gentamicin. Data were compared to evaluate the impact of the level of specialisation on prescribing pract...
Incidence of incisional complications after exploratory celiotomy in equids affected with enterolithiasis. This study reports the prevalence of and risk factors for incisional complications in equids after ventral midline celiotomy for enterolithiasis. This study covered the years 2008 to 2015 and included 72 equids. Enteroliths were removed from the ascending or descending colon through 1 or more enterotomies. Complications were defined as surgical site infection and/or incisional hernia formation. Follow-up by telephone questionnaire or medical records determined that 10/72 (13.9%) equids experienced complications, with 6/72 (8.3%) developing a surgical site infection and 5/72 (6.9%) a hernia. Se...
Tensile strength and early healing of self-locking and surgeon’s knots. To compare the biomechanical properties and healing of ventral midline celiotomies (VMC) closed with a self-locking knot combination and forwarder start and Aberdeen end (F-A) vs a traditional knot combination and surgeon's start and end (S-S). Methods: In vivo, experimental. Methods: Twenty-one horses. Methods: Fourteen horses underwent VMC, which was closed with either an F-A (n = 7) or an S-S (n = 7) knot combination. Incisions were subjectively graded by masked evaluators for dehiscence, edema, and drainage. Biomechanical testing was performed on three abdominal segments, and histology was...
Ultrasound-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Shetland Ponies: A Description of a Three-Point Injection Technique and Evaluation of Potential Analgesic Effects. Colic surgery is one of the most painful procedures carried out in horses. Common strategies to alleviate immediate postsurgical abdominal pain include the administration of potent systemic analgesics; however, these may cause unwanted adverse effects such as cardiovascular depression, ileus, and ataxia. The administration of local anesthetics at the incision site in form of an ultrasound-guided subcostal transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block may therefore be preferred to provide adequate analgesia without significant side effects. To date, no technique for a TAP block in horses undergoing m...
Incisional infections associated with ventral midline celiotomy in horses. To review the veterinary literature regarding healing and complications associated with equine celiotomy including anatomy and physiology, risk factors for incisional infection and hernia, and treatment. Background: Celiotomy is the most common approach to treat horses with surgical colic. Incision through the linea alba provides exposure to most of the abdomen for exploration, exteriorization, and correction of surgical lesions. Incisional apposition relies on suture strength during anesthetic recovery and for the first 30 days postoperatively. Factors associated with the patient, surgical le...
Higher body mass index may increase the risk for the development of incisional complications in horses following emergency ventral midline celiotomy. Obesity is common in the equine population and it has been associated with increased surgical morbidity and mortality in humans. The effect of increased body mass index (BMI) on the incidence of surgical site infections has not been investigated in horses. Objective: To determine whether horses with increased body fat, as estimated by BMI, are more likely to develop post-operative complications, particularly incisional complications, following emergency ventral midline celiotomy. Methods: Retrospective, multi-institutional clinical study. Methods: Medical records of horses >2Â years old presen...
Evaluation of the risk of incisional infection in horses following application of protective dressings after exploratory celiotomy for treatment of colic. OBJECTIVE To assess incidence of incisional infection in horses following management with 1 of 3 protective dressings after exploratory celiotomy for treatment of acute signs of abdominal pain (ie, colic) and determine the risk of complications associated with each wound management approach. DESIGN Prospective, randomized, controlled study. ANIMALS 85 horses. PROCEDURES Horses were assigned to 3 groups. After standardized abdominal closure, a sterile cotton towel (group 1) or polyhexamethylene biguanide-impregnated dressing (group 2) was secured over the incision site with 4 or 5 cruciate sutu...
Exploratory Celiotomy in the Horse Secondary to Acute Colic: A Review of Indications and Success Rates. To review indications and risk factors for exploratory celiotomy secondary to acute colic in the horse; decision making for and during surgery; and prognosis for return to function after exploratory celiotomy for the practicing veterinarian. Data sources included scientific reviews and original research publications from veterinary sources, as well as clinical data specifically in regard to underlying disease and survival rates from a tertiary referral hospital where exploratory celiotomy is commonly performed. There is a high positive predictive value of specific clinical preoperative paramet...
Comparison of incisional complications between skin closures using a simple continuous or intradermal pattern: a pilot study in horses undergoing ventral median celiotomy. Development of incisional complications following ventral median celiotomy might depend on suture pattern for skin closure. Methods: In this prospective study, 21 healthy male horses underwent celiotomy. Skin closure was either performed via a continuous percutaneous pattern (CO group; 5 warmbloods/5 ponies) or an intradermal pattern (ID group; 5 warmbloods/6 ponies). Follow-up examination of the incisional site included daily monitoring for edema, dehiscence, and drainage. Transcutaneous ultrasound was performed at Days 3, 6, and 10 as well as on Week 8 and 12 to evaluate size of edema and pr...
Bursting strength of surgeon’s and self-locking knots for closure of ventral midline celiotomy in horses. To compare the bursting strength and failure mode of ventral midline celiotomy closed with a simple continuous suture pattern with 1 of 2 knot combinations, a novel self-locking knot combination of a forwarder start with an Aberdeen end knot (F-A) and a traditional combination of a surgeon's start with a surgeon's end knot (S-S). Methods: Ex vivo experimental. Methods: Equine cadavers (n = 14). Methods: A 20-cm ventral midline celiotomy was created in 14 equine cadavers. Horses were assigned to celiotomy closure with an F-A or S-S knot combination. Prior to closure, a 200-L inflatable blad...
Effects of hyaluronate-carboxymethylcellulose membranes on the clinical outcome of horses undergoing emergency exploratory celiotomy. To determine the influence of hyaluronate-carboxymethylcellulose (HA-CMC) membranes applied to intestinal anastomoses or enterotomies on postoperative complications after emergency exploratory celiotomy. Methods: Multicenter retrospective case-controlled series. Methods: Adult horses (59 in the HA-CMC group and 91 controls). Methods: Medical records from 4 referral hospitals were searched for horses ≥1 year of age, treated between 2008 and 2014 with emergency exploratory celiotomy, and surviving at least 24 hours postoperatively. Horses receiving repeat celiotomy during the same hospitalizat...
Response to early repeat celiotomy in horses after a surgical treatment of jejunal strangulation. To determine the outcome after early repeat celiotomy in horses operated for jejunal strangulation. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Horses (n = 22) that underwent repeat celiotomy for postoperative reflux (POR) and/or postoperative colic (POC) that did not improve within 48 hours from onset after initial surgical treatment of strangulating jejunal lesions by jejunojejunostomy (n = 14) or no resection (n = 8). Methods: Medical records were reviewed for clinical signs, duration of signs before repeat surgery, surgical findings and treatment, and outcome. Survival was doc...
Frequency of Undetected Glove Perforation and Associated Risk Factors in Equine Surgery. To estimate the frequency of undetected perforations in surgical gloves during equine surgery and to identify risk factors associated with occurrence. Methods: Observational cohort study. Methods: Surgical gloves-292 pairs. Methods: Water leak tests were performed on gloves after equine surgery to detect perforations. Fifty pairs of unused gloves were also tested. Potential risk factors were recorded. Logistic regression was used to explore associations between putative risk factors and perforation. Results: No perforations were detected in the unused gloves. Of 292 pairs of used gloves tested...
Anaphylactoid reaction caused by sodium ceftriaxone in two horses experimentally infected by Borrelia burgdorferi. Lyme borreliosis is a disease transmitted by ticks to mammals, especially in horses and humans. Caused by a spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, it can result in lameness, arthritis, carditis, dermatitis and neurological signs. Anaphylactoid reactions are severe responses caused by direct action of substances (drugs, toxins), which can pose risks to life. Still poorly documented in horses, these reactions are caused by the effects of inflammatory mediators such as histamine, kinins and arachidonic acid metabolites. The last two are the most clinically relevant for the species. Methods: The simulta...
Use of a novel silk mesh for ventral midline hernioplasty in a mare. Ventral midline hernia formation following abdominal surgery in horses is an uncommon complication; however, it can have serious consequences leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Currently, mesh hernioplasty is the treatment of choice for large ventral midline hernias in horses to allow potential return to normal function. Complications following mesh hernioplasty using polypropylene or polyester mesh in horses can be serious and similar to complications seen in human patients, including persistent incisional drainage, mesh infection, hernia recurrence, intra-abdominal adhesions, mesh...
Indications, complications, and outcome of horses undergoing repeated celiotomy within 14 days after the first colic surgery: 95 cases (2005-2013). To examine factors associated with short- and long-term prognosis for horses undergoing repeated celiotomy within 14 days after the first colic surgery. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 95 horses that had undergone 2 celiotomies within a 14-day period between 2005 and 2013 at 3 equine referral hospitals. Methods: Historical, clinical, and laboratory data were compared between horses that did not survive and horses that did survive to hospital discharge (short-term survival rate) and to > 3 and > 6 months after hospital discharge (long-term survival rates). Results: Strangulat...
Occurrence of Incisional Complications After Closure of Equine Celiotomies With USP 7 Polydioxanone. To report the occurrence of, and risk factors associated with, incisional complications of equine ventral median celiotomies closed with USP 7 polydioxanone (7PD). Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Horses (n = 73; 75 celiotomies). Methods: Medical records (2000-2010) were retrieved and reviewed for horses that had a ventral celiotomy closed with 7PD and survived ≥14 days. Follow-up (>1 year) was obtained from the medical record, owner, or referring veterinarian. Independent variables were selected based on risk factors identified in previous studies, perceived clinical relevan...
Evaluation of plasma muscle enzyme activity as an indicator of lesion characteristics and prognosis in horses undergoing celiotomy for acute gastrointestinal pain. In horses undergoing celiotomy for acute gastrointestinal pain, identification of variables correlating with lesion severity and location, and survival provide veterinarians and owners with information that aids in making informed decisions regarding appropriate treatment. Muscle enzyme activity is often increased in horses undergoing celiotomy for acute gastrointestinal pain and it is not known if muscle enzyme activity increase is specific to lesion type or impacts prognosis for survival. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship of pre-operative increase in muscle enzyme ...
Two-step surgery combining standing laparoscopy with recumbent ventral median celiotomy for removal of enlarged pathologic ovaries in 20 mares. To report a combination of standing laparoscopic technique for intra-abdominal dissection of the mesovarial pedicle followed by a limited ventral median celiotomy under general anesthesia for removal of enlarged ovaries in mares. Methods: Case series. Methods: Mares (n = 20) aged 3-22 years with unilateral enlarged ovaries. Methods: Enlarged ovaries were confirmed by transrectal palpation and ultrasonography. After sedation, 3 laparoscopic portals were made in the paralumbar fossa. The mesovarium was desensitized and dissected using a vessel sealing device, and the ovary was left free in t...