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Equine veterinary journal2007; 39(3); 277-283; doi: 10.2746/042516407x193963

Incisional complications following exploratory celiotomy: does an abdominal bandage reduce the risk?

Abstract: Post operative complications following exploratory laparotomy can be potentially life-threatening, increase post operative morbidity and result in an increase in the length of hospitalisation of the affected individual. No study has evaluated the efficacy of specific strategies to reduce the incidence of post operative incisional complications. Objective: The use of an abdominal bandage following colic surgery through a celiotomy incision would significantly reduce the prevalence of post operative incisional complications. Methods: A controlled, randomised clinical trial to test the hypothesis was devised. Horses eligible for inclusion in the study were assigned randomly either to the study or control group following recovery from general anaesthesia. Any post operative incisional complications occurring during hospitalisation were recorded. Long-term follow-up was obtained via telephone questionnaires. Absolute risk reduction (ARR) and number needed to treat (NNT) were calculated. Multivariable analyses were conducted for all outcomes of interest. Results: There was an ARR of the likelihood of developing a post operative incisional complication of 45% when using compared to not using an abdominal bandage in the post operative period. Therefore, it would be necessary to treat 2.2 horses with an abdominal bandage in order to prevent one horse developing any post operative incisional complications. Conclusions: Although incisional complications continue to be a problem following an exploratory celiotomy for colic, the proportion of horses affected was significantly reduced by use of a bandage. Conclusions: Using an abdominal bandage following an exploratory laparotomy may help reduce the prevalence of post operative incisional complications, and prevent the development of potentially life-threatening complications.
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Publication Date: 2007-05-25 PubMed ID: 17520982DOI: 10.2746/042516407x193963Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The study investigates whether the use of an abdominal bandage can reduce post-operative complications, particularly incisional complications, following exploratory celiotomy for colic in horses. The research shows a significant reduction in these complications when a bandage is used, suggesting that it could be an effective strategy.

Objective and Methods

  • The research was driven by the need to address post-operative complications, especially incisional ones, in horses, which could be life-threatening, increase post-operative morbidity, and extend hospital stay.
  • It specifically aimed to see if the use of an abdominal bandage after colic surgery through a celiotomy incision could significantly lower the occurrence of these complications. No prior research had examined this approach.
  • To test this, a controlled randomized clinical trial was undertaken. Horses eligible for inclusion were randomly assigned to either a study group where a bandage was used, or a control group without a bandage, after recovery from general anesthesia.
  • All post-operative incisional complications during the hospital stay were noted, with long-term follow-up done through phone questionnaires. Further, Absolute Risk Reduction (ARR) and Number Needed to Treat (NNT) metrics were calculated, and multivariate analyses were performed on all outcomes of interest.

Results

  • The results showed a considerably high ARR – a 45% lower likelihood of developing a post-operative incisional complication from using an abdominal bandage.
  • The NNT, an indicator of the effectiveness of a health intervention, suggested that roughly 2.2 horses would need to be treated with a bandage to prevent one such complication.

Conclusions

  • Despite incisional complications still being a recurring issue after exploratory celiotomy for colic, the use of an abdominal bandage noticeably diminished the proportion of affected horses.
  • The takeaway from this research is that using an abdominal bandage after such a surgery may cut down the frequency of post-operative incisional complications, helping to prevent the onset of potentially life-threatening situations.

Cite This Article

APA
Smith LJ, Mellor DJ, Marr CM, Reid SW, Mair TS. (2007). Incisional complications following exploratory celiotomy: does an abdominal bandage reduce the risk? Equine Vet J, 39(3), 277-283. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516407x193963

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 39
Issue: 3
Pages: 277-283

Researcher Affiliations

Smith, L J
  • Institute of Comparative Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH.
Mellor, D J
    Marr, C M
      Reid, S W J
        Mair, T S

          MeSH Terms

          • Animals
          • Bandages / veterinary
          • Colic / mortality
          • Colic / surgery
          • Colic / veterinary
          • Female
          • Horse Diseases / mortality
          • Horse Diseases / surgery
          • Horses
          • Laparotomy / adverse effects
          • Laparotomy / methods
          • Laparotomy / veterinary
          • Male
          • Multivariate Analysis
          • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology
          • Postoperative Complications / prevention & control
          • Postoperative Complications / veterinary
          • Risk Factors
          • Time Factors
          • Treatment Outcome

          Citations

          This article has been cited 14 times.
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            pubmed: 33012825
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