[Colic surgery in the horse: a retrospective study of 272 patients].
Abstract: In the period from January 1995 until December 2000, 272 horses underwent a laparotomy for gastrointestinal disorders. The results of these surgeries were evaluated. From these 272 patients 176 (= 65%) were discharged in good health from the hospital. When the patients that were euthanized immediately after the start of the surgery, because of a fatal deterioration, were not taken into account, the short time survival rate was 77%. Strangulated small and large intestinal obstructions (48%) had a lower short time survival rate than non-strangulated obstructions (87%). Fatal postoperative complications occurred in 18% of the patients in which the surgery was completed. Postoperative shock was the most common cause. Non-fatal complications were found in 16% of the patients which survived surgery. The major non-fatal complications were incisional hernia and thrombophlebitis of the jugular vein. From the patients that survived the surgery 81% returned to their former level of performance. Early referral may decrease the percentage of fatal complications and improve the prognoses of surgery.
Publication Date: 2002-12-10 PubMed ID: 12469549
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- English Abstract
- Journal Article
Summary
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This research analyzes the outcomes of gastrointestinal surgeries (laparotomies) conducted on 272 horses from 1995 to 2000. It suggests a survival rate of 65%, which increases to 77% when excluding cases euthanized due to extreme deterioration at surgery onset. The study highlights the effects of these surgeries and recommends prompt referrals to reduce mortality rates and improve prognosis.
Study Overview
- This research was undertaken over a period of five years, from 1995 to 2000, and involved the study of 272 horses that underwent laparotomy, a surgical procedure to examine the abdomen, primarily due to gastrointestinal disorders.
- The study was retrospective in nature, meaning it looked back at the medical data and outcomes of these surgeries after they happened. This allowed the researchers to evaluate the success rates and complications of the procedures.
Findings
- Out of the 272 horses, 176 survived and were discharged in a healthy condition, rendering a survival rate of about 65%. However, this increases to 77% when excluding cases where the patients were euthanized immediately post-surgery due to severe deterioration.
- Strangulated small and large intestinal obstructions resulted in a lower survival rate of 48%, compared to non-strangulated obstructions which had a survival rate of 87%.
- Fatal postoperative complications occurred in 18% of surgeries that were completed, with postoperative shock being the most common cause.
- Non-fatal complications were found in 16% of the cases where the horses survived the surgery. The main non-fatal complications were incisional hernia and thrombophlebitis of the jugular vein.
- In terms of recovery, 81% of the horses that survived the procedure returned to their former level of performance.
Recommendations
- The study suggests early referrals as a critical factor to decrease the percentage of fatal complications and to improve the prognosis of the surgery.
- Quick intervention can therefore make a substantial difference in the success rate of the surgery and the overall survival rate of the horse.
Cite This Article
APA
Wiemer P, Bergman HJ, van der Veen H, Pruissen L.
(2002).
[Colic surgery in the horse: a retrospective study of 272 patients].
Tijdschr Diergeneeskd, 127(22), 682-686.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Dierenkliniek De Lingehoeve, Veldstraat 3a, 4033 AK, Lienden. p.wiemer@wxs.nl
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Cause of Death
- Colic / surgery
- Colic / veterinary
- Female
- Gastrointestinal Diseases / mortality
- Gastrointestinal Diseases / surgery
- Gastrointestinal Diseases / veterinary
- Horse Diseases / mortality
- Horse Diseases / surgery
- Horses
- Intestinal Obstruction / mortality
- Intestinal Obstruction / surgery
- Intestinal Obstruction / veterinary
- Laparotomy / veterinary
- Male
- Postoperative Complications / epidemiology
- Postoperative Complications / mortality
- Postoperative Complications / veterinary
- Prognosis
- Retrospective Studies
- Survival Rate
- Treatment Outcome
Citations
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