Nephrosplenic space closure significantly decreases recurrent colic in horses: a retrospective analysis.

This study examined the effectiveness of nephrosplenic space closure surgery in reducing recurring cases of colic in horses. Through retrospective analysis of clinical data, the researchers found a significant decrease in colic recurrence in horses that underwent this preventative surgery.

Objective of the Research

• The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of nephrosplenic space closure surgery in preventing colic recurrence in horses. Nephrosplenic entrapment occurs when the left colon in horses gets displaced and trapped in the nephrosplenic space, causing the condition known as Left Dorsal Displacement of the Left Colon (LDDLC). Colic is a common symptom of this condition.

Research Methodology

• The researchers utilized the medical records of 156 horses diagnosed with LDDLC at the Equine Clinic of the University of Liège from 2004 to 2016 for their analysis.
• The extracted data from these records included horse breed, sex, age and weight, initial treatment administered, and whether a subsequent preventative nephrosplenic space closure surgery was performed.
• The team obtained follow-up information through telephone interviews and the mean follow-up period was 35 months.
• Statistical analyses were performed using a chi-squared test with the significance threshold set at P<0.05.

Findings of the Study

• The researchers found a significant decrease in the total incidence of colic after nephrosplenic space closure surgery when compared to non-operated horses.
• No horse, which underwent the closure surgery, was found to be diagnosed with LDDLC in the follow-up period.
• Therefore, it was concluded that closure of the nephrosplenic space significantly decreases recurrent colic in horses, providing strong evidence for the efficacy of this type of surgery.