Extraluminal, C shaped polyethylene prostheses in two ponies with tracheal collapse.

The research focuses on the surgical technique and resultant complications and outcomes of using extraluminal prostheses in two ponies that suffered from severe tracheal collapse. The study found that despite some complications, the extraluminal prostheses led to marked improvement in the condition of the ponies, suggesting this approach could be effective in treating tracheal collapse in ponies.

Methodology

• The research was centered on two ponies suffering from a severe tracheal collapse.
• The scientists employed a ventral median approach to expose the trachea from the larynx to the manubrium.
• Extraluminal, high-density, C-shaped polyethylene prostheses were then sutured to the dorsal tracheal membrane and tracheal rings to provide external support to the trachea.
• The process of tracheal access and ring placement was smooth and complications-free.

Results

• The initial estimation of the tracheal diameter from preoperative radiographs resulted in prostheses that were too small at the time of surgery. This necessitated an additional surgical procedure for one of the ponies.
• Postoperative complications included coughing, right laryngeal hemiplegia, seroma formation, and antimicrobial-induced colitis.
• Regardless of these issues, both ponies showed significant resolution of clinical abnormalities after surgery.
• However, one of the ponies had to be euthanized 3.5 years after surgery due to a recurrent esophageal obstruction while the other was in good health 1 year after the surgery.

Conclusions

• Despite the complications, the application of extraluminal support to the trachea led to the rapid improvement of clinical signs in the two ponies with tracheal collapse.
• The study ultimately concluded that extraluminal tracheal prostheses could offer an effective solution for resolving clinical abnormalities in ponies suffering from severe tracheal collapse.