Anatomy of the vestibule of the omental bursa and epiploic foramen in the horse.

This research provides an in-depth examination of the anatomical structure of the vestibule of the omental bursa and the epiploic foramen in horses, shedding new light on the role of the gastropancreatic fold in these areas. This study aims to address inconsistencies in previous descriptions and offers more accurate information that could improve treatment methods for Epiploic Foramen Entrapment (EFE), a common cause of colic in horses.

Methodology

• The study involved the dissection of 21 fresh equine cadavers immediately after euthanasia.
• The specific focus was on the vestibule of the omental bursa, the epiploic foramen and related structures in the cranial abdomen, both in situ and after removal from the abdomen.
• Photographs were taken and illustrations drawn to elucidate the relationship between different folds, ligaments and organs involved in a 3-dimensional concept.

Findings

• The entrance into the vestibule and the pathway through it to the epiploic foramen is outlined by the gastropancreatic fold dorsally, caudally and ventrally.
• This fold constitutes the caudoventral boundary of the epiploic foramen along with the portal vein cranially and ventrally.
• The craniodorsal boundary of the epiploic foramen is formed by the caudate lobe of the liver.

Conclusions

• The gastropancreatic fold seems to play a significantly greater role in the anatomy of the vestibule of the omental bursa and the epiploic foramen than previously documented in English anatomy textbooks.
• Given the importance of EFE in horses, the accurate information provided by this study could act as a starting point towards improving methods for treatment and laparoscopic prevention of the disease.