Modified technique for the repair of third-degree rectovaginal lacerations in mares.

This research paper outlines a new two-stage surgical technique for treating third-degree rectovestibular lacerations in mares and reports its successful outcomes.

Objective and Overview of the Research

• The main objective of this research was to introduce and assess the efficacy of a two-stage surgical method for treating third-degree rectovestibular lacerations in mares.
• Eight mares, all suffering from this condition, were the subjects of this study. These types of injuries typically occur during foaling and can lead to complications such as incontinence and can even interfere with future breeding efforts.

Surgical Technique and Outcomes

• In the first stage of the surgical technique, the rectovestibular shelf was corrected through three continuous ‘circular’ suture rows arranged along the longitudinal axis of the vagina.
• The second stage involved the reconstruction of the perineal body, achieved through three simple continuous suture rows that were divergent in their arrangement.
• The paper reported primary healing after the first stage of surgery in all mares. Likewise, seven of the mares completed both surgery stages successfully and experienced primary healing.

Post-Surgical Follow-Up

• Out of the eight mares, one returned to endurance racing competition, one was lost to follow-up, and the remaining five became pregnant post-operation. These outcomes suggest that the surgical procedure did not hinder their overall performance or breeding capabilities.
• The mares that became pregnant were capable of completing the foaling process without the initial condition reoccurring, thereby indicating the surgery’s success and long-term effectiveness. This was represented in the fact that one mare foaled four times, two mares foaled three times each, and one foaled once. The last mare was still pregnant at the time of the paper’s writing.

Conclusions

• This research concludes that the new two-stage surgical technique is an effective approach to treat third-degree rectovaginal lacerations in mares.
• Not only was the surgery successful in terms of primary healing, but it led to a lasting resolution of the issue, with no recurrence following foaling.
• The fact that the majority of the mares were able to return to their regular activities, including full capacity for breeding, suggests significant practical benefits and applications for this modified technique in veterinary medicine.