Comparison of surgical versus medical treatment of nephrosplenic entrapment of the large colon in horses: 19 cases (1992-2002).

This research article compares the effectiveness of medical and surgical treatments for horses with nephrosplenic entrapment of the large colon (NSELC), concluding both methods are similarly effective, but medical treatment is less time-consuming and more cost-effective.

Methods

• The study is retrospective in nature and examines medical records of horses diagnosed with NSELC between 1992 and 2002. Inclusion in the study required confirmation of NSELC diagnosis and treatment, either by transrectal and ultrasonographic examination (for medically treated horses), or exploratory laparotomy (for surgically treated horses).
• Horses suffering from entrapment of the large colon between the spleen and body wall were not included. Otherwise, the cohort consisted of 11 horses that received medical treatment and 8 that underwent surgical procedures.

Findings

• The results revealed no significant differences in the mean age, heart rate, or duration of colic prior to treatment between the two groups.
• Of horses treated medically, 10 of the 11 recovered without complications, while one died. In the surgically treated group, 6 of 8 horses recovered uneventfully and two died. This data suggests that mortality rates do not differ significantly between the two treatment methods.
• Additionally, the study found that medically treated horses spent less time in hospital and the treatment costs were significantly lower than for surgically treated horses.

Conclusions

• The study concludes that medical treatment of horses with NSELC, specifically through the administration of phenylephrine hydrochloride, rolling under general anesthesia, or both, is as effective as surgical treatment.
• Furthermore, due to the decreased duration of hospitalization and lower costs, medical treatment was observed to be more cost-effective. This suggests that whenever possible, medical treatment should be considered for horses with NSELC.