Evaluation of peritoneal fluid following intestinal resection and anastomosis in horses.

The study investigates how postoperative abdominal fluid changes between two groups of horses; one group had a specific surgical procedure (double small-colon resection and anastomosis) while the other just had their abdomen opened and examined (exploratory celiotomy). The researchers found abnormal values of various biological parameters in the fluid samples right after the surgery that gradually normalized except for a few ones, over a 7-day postoperative period.

Methodology

• The research involved two groups of horses. One group, consisting of 10 horses, underwent a surgical procedure known as double small-colon resection and anastomosis. The other group, made up of 5 horses, underwent a simpler procedure of exploratory celiotomy where the abdominal cavity was opened and examined without any resection.
• Peritoneal fluid samples, a liquid found in the abdominal cavity that lubricates the surface of tissue, were collected from the horses before the surgery and on the first, third, fifth, and seventh postoperative days.
• These samples were then examined for total and differential nucleated cell counts, red blood cell (RBC) numbers, total protein, and fibrinogen (a protein involved in the blood clotting process) concentrations.

Findings

• All the evaluated bio parameters in the fluid samples of both groups were found to be significantly higher than normal levels on the first postoperative day.
• The total nucleated cell count and the RBC numbers saw a significant reduction after the first day, however, the levels of total protein, fibrinogen concentrations, percent neutrophils, and percent mononuclear cells (all types of white blood cells) remained constant.
• Even by the seventh postoperative day, most values had not returned to normal levels.
• Comparing the two groups, the research found that the group that underwent resection and anastomosis showed a significantly lower total protein concentration on the first postoperative day and a significantly higher mean total red blood cell count over the entire seven-day postoperative evaluation period.
• No other significant differences were found between the two groups.

Significance

• The research could potentially help in better postoperative care of horses as the biological changes observed in peritoneal fluid could be used as biomarkers to monitor the recovery process in post-surgery horses and detect any complications at an early stage.