Large colon resection and anastomosis in horses: 52 cases (1996-2006).

This research studied the survival rate and complications in horses undergoing large colon resection and anastomosis (LCRA), an aggressive surgical method, and identified that heart rate 24 hours after recovery, along with certain post-operative conditions, are significantly associated with mortality.

Methodology

• The study was based on the medical records of 52 horses that underwent LCRA.
• The data from these records were assessed to identify univariable associations with survival as well as complications related to the surgical procedure.
• Various statistical testing methods such as Chi-square, odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval, Mann-Whitney or Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to ascertain the significance of the findings.

Results

• Out of the 52 horses that underwent LCRA, 44 (84.6%) survived anaesthesia and initial recovery, while 30 (57.7%) survived long enough to be discharged from the hospital.
• The study found that the horse’s heart rate as measured 24 hours after recovery is significantly associated with mortality. This suggests it may serve as a reliable indicator of a horse’s post-operation prognosis.
• Other factors significantly linked to mortality were post-operative conditions such as endotoxaemia (toxins in the blood), ileus (a disruption in the normal movement of the digestive tract), and peritonitis (inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity).

Conclusions

• The study concluded that a horse’s heart rate 24 hours post-recovery may be a more reliable prognostic indicator than other variables analysed in the study.
• The research also found that the survival rate and complications seen after LCRA in the study subjects were similar to those reported in prior studies, suggesting consistency in the outcomes observed over multiple examinations.