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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Surg / Long-term survival and complications following small intesti...
Veterinary surgery : VS2024; doi: 10.1111/vsu.14169

Long-term survival and complications following small intestinal resection and partially stapled, functional end-to-end anastomosis.

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to investigate the long-term survival and postoperative complications in horses that had undergone small intestinal resection and a modified anastomosis technique using a partially stapled, functional end-to-end anastomosis. Methods: Observational retrospective case series. Methods: A total of 25 horses underwent small intestinal resection and a partially stapled, functional end-to-end anastomosis. Methods: A modified technique to create a partially stapled, functional end-to-end anastomosis is described. The clinical case records of all horses that fulfilled the criteria between January 1, 2010 and January 1, 2020 were reviewed. Data on short-term survival and postoperative complications were collated. A telephone questionnaire of owners was undertaken to evaluate long-term survival. Results: Duration of follow up was from one to 4232 days (median 785 days). A total of 21/25 (84%) of horses survived to discharge, 19/25 (76%) horses were alive at 6 and 12 months and 64% survived to 2 years. A total of 64% of horses developed at least one postoperative complication. Two horses developed a small intestinal volvulus necessitating repeat laparotomy. One horse had kinking at the anastomosis site diagnosed at post-mortem examination. Conclusions: Partially stapled functional end-to-end anastomosis technique in this study had similar short- and long-term survival to those reported in previous studies using handsewn techniques, but severe complications at the anastomosis site occurred in >10% of cases. Conclusions: The anastomosis technique described appears to have similar short- and long-term survival and complication rates, compared to more commonly used anastomosis techniques. However, there is potential for severe complications at the anastomosis site.
© 2024 American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
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Publication Date: 2024-10-01 PubMed ID: 39352182DOI: 10.1111/vsu.14169Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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This article reviews a study focused on the long-term survival and complications that might occur in horses that have undergone small intestinal resection and partially stapled, functional end-to-end anastomosis, a modified surgical technique.

Objective and Methodology

  • The study was conducted with an aim to assess the long-term survival rates and potential postoperative complications in horses that have undergone minor intestinal surgery with an innovative technique called the partially stapled, functional end-to-end anastomosis.
  • This technique was applied on a total of 25 horses, whose medical case records were available for the period January 1, 2010 to January 1, 2020.
  • Postoperative data were compiled to conduct the research, supplying short-term survival rates and potential complications.
  • Long-term survival was assessed by conducting a telephonic interview with the horses’ owners.

Results

  • The collected data indicated that 84% (21 out of 25) of the horses survived until release, with a 76% survival rate of the 25 horses at 6 months and 12 months and a 64% survival rate at 2 years.
  • However, 64% of the horses faced at least one postoperative complication.
  • In particular, two horses had small intestinal volvulus, requiring another operation, and one had a kink at the anastomosis site, which was found during a post-mortem examination.

Conclusions

  • The anastomosis technique reviewed showed similar short-term and long-term survival rates to those reported in earlier studies using hand-sewn methods.
  • However, serious complications at the anastomosis site occurred in over 10% of cases, implying that this technique, while efficient, might carry potential risks for severe complications.

Cite This Article

APA
Kopec EK, Stevens M, Crowe O, Wright C, Suthers J. (2024). Long-term survival and complications following small intestinal resection and partially stapled, functional end-to-end anastomosis. Vet Surg. https://doi.org/10.1111/vsu.14169

Publication

Veterinary surgery : VS
ISSN: 1532-950X
NlmUniqueID: 8113214
Country: United States
Language: English

Researcher Affiliations

Kopec, Elizabeth Katherine
  • B&W Equine Hospital, Berkeley, UK.
Stevens, Martha
  • B&W Equine Hospital, Berkeley, UK.
Crowe, Oliver
  • B&W Equine Hospital, Berkeley, UK.
Wright, Chris
  • B&W Equine Hospital, Berkeley, UK.
Suthers, Joanna
  • B&W Equine Hospital, Berkeley, UK.

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