Colopexy in broodmares: 44 cases (1986-1990).

This research study is about the application and outcomes of colopexy surgeries in 44 broodmares that required abdominal surgery to manage large colon displacement or twisting (volvulus). The results showed that the procedure can effectively prevent recurrence in selected populations, despite the occurrence of some postoperative complications.

Colopexy Procedures in Broodmares

• The study focuses on the use of colopexy, a surgical procedure that involves suturing certain parts of the large colon (specifically the lateral bands of the left and right ventral colon) to the ventral abdominal wall in horses. This technique is applied to address conditions like large colon displacement or volvulus (twisting of the colon), which require surgical intervention.
• The procedure was performed on 44 broodmares, almost half of which had undergone previous surgeries for the same conditions.

Postoperative Complications and Successes

• The study reports several complications associated with the colopexy procedure including intermittent abdominal pain (in 7 horses), reoperation (in 5 horses), development of subcutaneous fistulous tracts (in 1 horse), and catastrophic rupture of the left ventral colon (in 2 horses).
• Despite these complications, 36 horses survived for more than six months post colopexy. Follow-up exams were completed for 34 of these horses.

Observations on Foals and Procedure Efficacy

• The study also reports that 27 of the mares that underwent this surgery successfully foaled at least once after the procedure, totaling 40 foals. This suggests that the procedure does not significantly impair reproductive capacities in broodmares.
• Overall, based on these findings, the study concludes that colopexy can be considered an effective technique to prevent the recurrence of large colon displacement or volvulus in horses, particularly those predisposed to these conditions. This indicates that despite the possible complications, the benefits of the procedure can outweigh the risks for selected populations of horses.