Evaluation of two techniques for large intestinal resection and anastomosis in the horse.

This study investigates two distinct methods of large intestinal resection and reattachment in horses, determining that while both methods are effective, the use of staples allows for quicker procedures and less surgical contamination.

Research Objectives

• The primary goal of this experiment was to compare the effectiveness and practicality of two methods of large colon resection and reattachment (known as “anastomosis”) in adult horses. This involved removing a portion of the large intestine and then rejoining the remaining sections.
• The two techniques compared in this study were a stapling method and a double inverting suture pattern.

Methodology

• The researchers used six healthy, adult horses for the study.
• Large colon resections were done at sternal and diaphragmatic flexures (bends in the intestine) in all the horses.
• Stainless steel staples were used to close off the open parts of the dorsal and ventral colons in all cases.
• The continuity of the intestines was restored by performing a side-to-side anastomosis of the dorsal and ventral colons.
• Half of the anastomoses were done using stainless steel staples, and the other half were performed using a double inverting suture pattern.

Findings

• The horses were reevaluated after one month, and the surgical sites analysed. There were no significant differences in the size of the surgically created openings (or stoma) between the two groups.
• The researchers reported no complications arising from either surgical method. However, they noted that the stapling procedure was quicker to complete and resulted in lower risk of surgical field contamination.
• For these reasons, the researchers indicated a preference for the stapling technique. They also reported observing no harmful effects from the procedure of large colon resection.

Implications

• The study’s authors caution that the results, while positive, might not extend to more extensive resections of the large colon. Such procedures could be more challenging and potentially carry higher risks.