Case report: Incomplete bypass ileocolostomy without partial typhlectomy in five horses with acute, non-reducible cecocolic intussusceptions and review of literature.

The research article studies the use of an incomplete bypass ileocolostomy treatment for horses suffering from acute, non-reducible cecocolic intussusceptions, a serious equine health condition. It provides valuable data supporting this surgery’s safety and effectiveness, compared to other interventions like partial typhlectomy.

Background to Research

• Acute cecocolic intussusceptions are a serious equine condition causing severe colic (abdominal pain) in horses. They typically require immediate surgical intervention.
• There are different surgical techniques to treat this condition which include partial typhlectomy (partial amputation of cecum) that can be combined with or without cecal bypass techniques.
• The incomplete bypass ileocolostomy is an alternative surgical intervention that does not involve partial typhlectomy.

Objective of Research

• The main aim of this study was to look into the outcomes of incomplete bypass ileocolostomy without partial typhlectomy and to compare these results with established surgical techniques, via a literature review.
• The study further aimed to add to the existing literature so as to strengthen the evidence supporting this non-partial typhlectomy surgery.

Methodology and Results

• The researchers used medical records of horses from January 2009 to March 2024 to gather data. They found five instances where horses were treated with incomplete bypass ileocolostomy without typhlectomy.
• These horses were followed up between 1 and 9 years post-surgery. Minor short-term complications including transient mild colic and febrile episodes found during hospitalization.
• In terms of long-term results, all horses recuperated to or surpassed their previous level of use. Those treated with ileocolostomy without partial typhlectomy had a 100% long-term survival rate.

Literature Review Outcome

• A review of previously published cases (49 horses included) revealed that 42 recovered which gave an overall long-term survival rate of 53%.
• Even though the number of published cases was low, the case series strongly suggested that horses treated with ileocolostomy without partial typhlectomy had a higher survival rate.

Significance of the Study

• The study successfully demonstrated that the incomplete bypass method can treat cecocolic intussusceptions effectively in horses, with long-term positive outcomes.
• The findings also added valuable data to the existing literature about this surgical technique and bolstered its application, thereby potentially informing veterinary surgical decision-making.