Jejunocolic anastomosis for the surgical management of recurrent cecal impaction in a horse.

This research presents the successful surgical management of a recurrent cecal impaction case in a 5-year-old Thoroughbred horse, through the use of a side-to-side jejunocolic anastomosis. The procedure led to the resolution of the horse’s recurrent cecal impactions, an increase in weight, and successful performance for a period of 14 months, albeit with three episodes of mild abdominal pain between months 14 and 20 post-surgery.

Objective of Research

• The primary aim of this research was to investigate the potential success of a side-to-side jejunocolic anastomosis surgical procedure as treatment for recurrent cecal impaction in horses, a condition that was resistant to medical management in the subject animal.

Methodology and Key Findings

• The surgical procedure used in this study was the side-to-side jejunocolic anastomosis. This technique connects the jejunum (a part of the small intestine) directly to the colon, bypassing the cecum (the beginning of the large intestine) and helping to alleviate the impaction.
• The study illustrates that this cecal impaction refractory to medical management did not recur after the surgery. The horse was able to gain weight and performed well for 14 months post-surgery, indicating the success of the procedure in this instance.

Further Observations

• Notwithstanding the overall successful outcome, the horse experienced three instances of mild abdominal pain between 14 and 20 months after the surgery. Upon examination, mild cecal gas distension and firm ingesta in the colon were observed.
• The horse’s feces remained consistently soft post-surgery, except during the aforementioned instances of colic, when dry, firm feces were passed.

Significance of Study

• This study adds to the veterinary literature about surgical interventions for managing recurrent cecal impaction in horses.
• It provides evidence for the potential effectiveness of side-to-side jejunocolic anastomosis in managing this condition, while also noting the risk for mild abdominal pain and other complications in the months following the procedure.