Correlation between capillary oxygen saturation and small intestinal wall thickness in the equine colic patient.
Abstract: The surgical evaluation of haemorrhagic infarcted intestine and the decision for or against bowel resection require a lot of experience and are subjective. The aim of this prospective, clinical study was to examine the correlation between oxygen saturation and small intestinal wall (IW) thickness, using two objective methods. In 22 colicky horses, the blood flow, oxygen saturation and relative amount of haemoglobin were measured intraoperatively via laser Doppler and white light spectroscopy (O2C, oxygen to see, LEA Medizintechnik) at six measuring points (MPs) in small and large intestines. Furthermore, the IW thickness was measured ultrasonographically. Nine of 22 horses had an increased small IW thickness greater than 4 mm (Freeman 2002, Scharner and others 2002, le Jeune and Whitcomb 2014) at measuring point 1 (MP1) (strangulated segment), four horses had a thickened bowel wall at measuring point 3 (MP3) (poststenotic) and one at measuring point 2 (MP2). The oxygen saturation was 0 at MP1 in six horses, at MP3 in two horses and at MP2 (prestenotic) in one. Oxygen saturation and small IW thickness were independent of each other at MP1 and MP2. At MP3, the two parameters were negatively correlated. In summary, it is not possible to draw conclusions about oxygen saturation based on IW thickness.
Publication Date: 2017-04-23 PubMed ID: 28761667PubMed Central: PMC5520023DOI: 10.1136/vetreco-2016-000197Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research investigates the relationship between blood oxygen levels and the thickness of small intestinal walls in horses experiencing colic. The study found that these two factors often did not correspond, highlighting the complexity and subjectivity of surgical assessments of the intestine.
Research Aims and Methodology
- The main goal of this particular study was to evaluate the relationship between oxygen saturation and the thickness of the intestinal wall in horses afflicted with colic. The assisted decision-making in surgeries involving the intestinal area can be aided by a clear understanding of these interconnected factors.
- The research was clinical and prospective in nature. It was performed on 22 horses suffering from colic, with measurements taken directly during surgeries.
- Specialized techniques, including laser Doppler and white light spectroscopy, were used to assess oxygen saturation, blood flow, and relative quantities of hemoglobin.
- Ultrasonography was employed to accurately measure intestinal wall thickness.
- Six different measuring points, located in both the small and large intestines, were identified and analyzed.
Findings
- Increased thickness of the small intestinal wall—greater than 4mm—was observed in 9 of the 22 horses at the first measuring point (MP1). At measuring point 3 (MP3), four horses presented with thickened bowel wall, while only one had thickening at measuring point 2 (MP2).
- Zero oxygen saturation was observed at MP1 in six horses, two at MP3, and one at MP2.
- Crucially, the levels of oxygen saturation and the thickness of the small intestinal wall were generally observed to be non-coincident; specifically at MP1 and MP2.
- Only at MP3 there was a negative correlation, meaning that increased intestinal wall thickness was associated with lower levels of oxygen saturation.
Conclusion
- The researchers concluded that it is not feasible to predict oxygen saturation levels based solely on the thickness of the small intestinal wall.
- This outcome underscores the importance of multifaceted analysis in diagnosing and treating intestinal problems, especially in horses suffering from colic.
- Finally, it emphasizes the need for further research to develop more objective and effective methods for making critical surgical decisions during operations related to haemorrhagic infarcted intestines.
Cite This Article
APA
Mirle E, Wogatzki A, Kunzmann R, Schoenfelder AM, Litzke LF.
(2017).
Correlation between capillary oxygen saturation and small intestinal wall thickness in the equine colic patient.
Vet Rec Open, 4(1), e000197.
https://doi.org/10.1136/vetreco-2016-000197 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department for Equine Surgery, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Gießen, Germany.
- Department for Equine Surgery, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Gießen, Germany.
- Department for Equine Surgery, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Gießen, Germany.
- Department for Equine Surgery, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Gießen, Germany.
- Department for Equine Surgery, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Gießen, Germany.
Conflict of Interest Statement
Competing interests: None declared.
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Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Jávor P, Donka T, Horváth T, Sándor L, Török L, Szabó A, Hartmann P. Impairment of Mesenteric Perfusion as a Marker of Major Bleeding in Trauma Patients.. J Clin Med 2023 May 20;12(10).
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