Laparoscopic closure of the nephrosplenic space for prevention of recurrent nephrosplenic entrapment of the ascending colon.

The research found that laparoscopic closure of the nephrosplenic space in horses can prevent recurrent nephrosplenic entrapment of the ascending colon, thus reducing instances of colic and ventral celiotomy.

Research Goals and Methods

• The objective of this research was to evaluate the outcome after performing laparoscopic closure of the nephrosplenic space in horses. These were horses that had previously undergone nephrosplenic entrapment of the ascending colon, also known as left dorsal displacement of the left colon (LDDLC).
• The research was carried out retrospectively. The researchers looked back at the medical records of horses with LDDLC who also subsequently had laparoscopic nephrosplenic space closure between 2002 and 2004.
• Owners of these horses were interviewed via telephone to gain follow-up information.
• The researchers compared preoperative and postoperative incidents for various parameters, including the incidence of LDDLC, incidence of colic signs, and incidence of ventral celiotomy. The regulatory level of significance was set at P<.05.
• A chi-square test was used to analyze the data collected.

Results of the Study

• Outcomes of the research indicated that the incidence of LDDLC reduced significantly after laparoscopic nephrosplenic space closure. None of the ten horses that met the research’s inclusion criteria had experienced a recurrence of LDDLC over an average follow-up period of 22 months.
• However, three horses exhibited colic signs afterwards that required further surgical intervention.
• There was a remarkable overall decrease in total colic incidence and ventral celiotomy during follow-up.
• The technique included changes like different cannula site locations, usage of polyglyconate suture material for closing the nephrosplenic space, and designing a custom cannula.

Conclusions from the Research

• According to the study’s conclusions, laparoscopic nephrosplenic space closure effectively prevents recurrence of LDDLC. Also, it significantly lowers the overall incidence of colic and ventral celiotomy.
• The researchers commented on the effectiveness of the custom-designed cannula which provided good access to the operative site. No complications arose as a result of using polyglyconate suture material for nephrosplenic space closure.
• However, the researchers noted that despite the effectiveness of the closure of the nephrosplenic space in preventing LDDLC, other surgical lesions could still occur.