Pulmonary edema at recovery after colic operation with in-situ nasogastric tube in a horse.

This research article presents a case where a horse, after a smooth general anesthesia and colic surgery, developed negative pressure pulmonary edema during recovery because of severe upper airway blockage. The study stresses on the potential risk associated with leaving a nasogastric tube in place during recovery.

Explanation of Research

• The subject of the research is a horse that underwent general anesthesia for colic surgery. Everything went without a hitch during the surgery, but complications arose afterward, during the recovery phase.
• Upon awakening from anesthesia and attempting to stand, the horse suddenly began suffocating due to upper airway obstruction. The researchers identified the cause as negative pressure pulmonary edema, a condition where fluid leaks into the lungs due to an imbalance in pressures within the lung tissue and blood vessels.

Role of Nasogastric Tube

• Upon further investigation, the researchers pointed out that the horse had a nasogastric tube – a tube that is inserted through the nose, down the esophagus, and into the stomach – left in place during recovery.
• The presence of this in-situ (or in position) nasogastric tube, combined with a post-mortem diagnosis of laryngeal hemiplegia (partial paralysis of the larynx), was suggested to have contributed to the impaired airflow through the horse’s larynx, leading to the development of pulmonary edema.

Purpose and Significance of the Research

• The main objective of this study was to highlight the potential risk associated with leaving a nasogastric tube in place during recovery from anesthesia in horses.
• Given these findings and the severe consequence in this specific case, the researchers called for clinicians to be cautious about this practice to prevent such an incident in the future.