Repair of abdominal wall hernias in horses using primary closure and subcutaneous implantation of mesh.

This research presents a simplified and effective method for repairing abdominal wall hernias in horses. Using absorbable sutures and subcutaneous mesh implementation, the method minimizes complications and provides a strong, cosmetically satisfactory result.

Methodology and Procedure

• The study involved over 40 horses with abdominal incisional hernias. These horses underwent a repair procedure where the hernial sac and ring were exposed.
• The hernial ring was closed using absorbable, interrupted, inverted, cruciate sutures. This was done after the hernial sac was inverted into the peritoneal cavity.
• A mesh was then sutured, under tension, over the closed ring. This mesh placement was deliberately subcutaneous, i.e., situated beneath the skin, instead of in the retroperitoneal space.

Benefits of Subcutaneous Mesh Placement

• The researchers chose subcutaneous placement for the mesh to simplify the dissection process and to decrease the chances of penetrating the peritoneal cavity.
• Conventional methods of hernia repair often involve implanting the mesh into the retroperitoneal space, a process which carries a higher risk of penetrating peritoneal cavity.
• The subcutaneous placement of mesh offered a more robust repair and resulted in a uniformly flat and aesthetically pleasing appearance of the horse’s abdomen’s ventral aspect.

Outcome and Complications

• The procedure had a low rate of complications. Only one case was recorded where the tissue surrounding the mesh got infected, leading to procedure failure.
• The reduction in complications and the high success rate underscores the effectiveness of the procedure. The uniformly flat and cosmetically acceptable appearance of the abdomen also indicates a high level of success.

In conclusion, this research highlights a successful, simplified approach to repairing abdominal wall hernias in horses, which minimizes complications and yields aesthetically pleasing results. This could have noteworthy implications for equine surgery practices.