Esophagomyotomy and esophagopexy to create a diverticulum for treatment of chronic esophageal stricture in 2 horses.

The research presented in this article focused on alternative treatment methods for chronic esophageal stricture in horses, using a surgical technique called esophagomyotomy and esophagopexy to create a diverticulum. The procedure, tested on 2 horses, proved successful in relieving the symptoms of the disorder and allowed the horses to resume normal feeding without obstruction.

Procedure Overview

• The study utilized esophagomyotomy and esophagopexy surgical procedures to treat chronic type I esophageal stricture in two horses. The esophagomyotomy involves cutting into the esophagus muscle, while esophagopexy involves adhering the esophagus to the surrounding tissue or muscle.

Methodology

• Following the esophagomyotomy, the researchers separated (dissected) the esophageal mucosa from the muscularis layer for about half-circle (approximately 180 degrees) around the surgical incision (the myotomy).
• The muscular layer of the esophagus (tunica muscularis) was then adhered to the sternocephalicus muscle on the ventral (front) side and the peri-esophagus tissues on the dorsal (back) side through suturing, hence creating a diverticulum, which is a small pouch.
• Importantly, this modification was done without disrupting the mucosa, the internal lining of the esophagus.

Results

• These surgeries relieved the clinical signs of esophageal stricture, suggesting the procedures’ success.
• Post-surgery, the horses were able to return to a normal diet without experiencing further esophageal obstruction, indicating the longevity and efficiency of the treatment method.