End-to-Side Versus Side-to-Side Jejunocecostomy in Horses: A Retrospective Analysis of 150 Cases.

The research paper looks into the postoperative effects of two different types of jejunocecostomy, end-to-side (E2S) and side-to-side (S2S), performed on horses. It aims to identify factors influencing postoperative complications and survival rates. The conclusion proposed that patient’s age, patient related variables, and surgeon’s experience may have a greater impact on the outcomes than the type of surgical procedure applied.

Research Methodology

• The research adopted a retrospective, multicenter study approach.
• Data was collected from the medical records of 150 horses that had undergone either E2S or S2S jejunocecostomy. Among these, 90 had S2S and 60 had E2S procedures.
• Variables like admissions, intra- and postoperative data were considered.
• The team used descriptive statistics for analysis and carried out parametric and nonparametric tests, linear and multivariate logistic regression.
• A significance level was set at P < .05 and Kaplan-Meier estimate was employed to perform the survival function.

Research Findings

• The method of anastomosis – whether stapled or hand-sewn for S2S procedures – did not significantly influence the development of postoperative reflux or colic, need for repeat surgery, survival at hospital discharge or 12-month survival after discharge.
• The number of years the principal surgeon had been certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons impacted significantly on the survival of the horse at the time of hospital discharge.
• The horse’s age significantly influenced 12-month survival rates, with older horses (P = .006) facing a higher risk.
• Older age and administration of prokinetic medication were significantly associated with the development of postoperative reflux.
• Survival rates at the time of hospital discharge were 76% for S2S and 87% for E2S procedures.

Conclusions

• The study concluded that patient-related variables such as age, along with the surgeon’s experience, may considerably influence postoperative outcomes, including complications and mortality, more than the specific type of jejunocecostomy procedure.