Clinical comparison between a continuous Lembert pattern wrapped in a carboxymethylcellulose and hyaluronate membrane with an interrupted Lembert pattern for one-layer jejunojejunostomy in horses.

This research article seeks to compare the efficacy of two different methods for performing a surgical procedure called jejunojejunostomy (connecting two parts of the small intestine) on horses. The main finding is that a surgery technique that incorporates a continuous Lembert pattern wrapped in a specialized membrane results in better long-term outcomes when compared to the interrupted Lembert pattern.

Objective and Methodology

The researchers wanted to ascertain if a continuous Lembert pattern wrapped in a carboxymethylcellulose and hyaluronate membrane would perform better than an interrupted Lembert pattern for jejunojejunostomy in horses.

• They analyzed data from 32 horses which underwent the procedure between 1993 to 2002
• Two methods were compared – 20 horses underwent anastomosis using the interrupted Lembert pattern, while 12 horses had anastomosis using the continuous Lembert pattern wrapped in a protective membrane

Results

Researchers found that both techniques performed well, thanks to the absence of post operative ileus or post operative endotoxaemia in all horses. However, one horse that had been operated on using the continuous pattern required another surgery due its intestines’ impaction.

• Short-term survival rates were more-or-less comparable for both techniques
• Long-term mortality rates and instances of colic episodes were notably lower for horses operated on using the continuous Lembert pattern with a membrane
• Data analysis showed that this difference was statistically significant, especially in the case of horses with strangulating lesions

Conclusion

Although both techniques had good clinical performance, the continuous Lembert pattern integrating a carboxymethylcellulose and hyaluronate membrane showed superior outcomes over the long term, with less instances of colic and mortality as a result of colic. The research suggests that for strangulating lesions, the continuous Lembert pattern may offer a better treatment option.