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Veterinary sciences2026; 13(2); 196; doi: 10.3390/vetsci13020196

Short- and Long-Term Outcomes in Horses Following Laparoscopic Nephrosplenic Space Ablation.

Abstract: Left dorsal displacement of the large colon (LDDLC) is a common cause of colic in horses and it is frequently associated with recurrent episodes, with significant implications for horse management, athletic performance, and owner satisfaction. Laparoscopic nephrosplenic space (NSS) ablation is a preventive surgical technique aimed at reducing recurrence in horses with a history of medically or surgically treated LDDLC. This retrospective study evaluated 48 horses that underwent laparoscopic NSS ablation in two Italian Veterinary Teaching Hospitals between 2016 and 2024. Short-term outcomes, including immediate postoperative complications and discharge status, were assessed. Long-term follow-up data were collected via owner questionnaires, focusing on survival, recurrence of colic, post-surgical complications, return to athletic or breeding activity, and owner satisfaction. Most horses were discharged without complications (91.7%), while postoperative colic occurred in 8.3%. Kaplan-Meier estimated one-year post-discharge survival was 83.3%, and 81.3% of horses were alive at last follow-up (range 0.7 months to 8.8 years). Post-discharge complications were reported in 31.2% of horses, most commonly recurrent LDDLC. Return to preoperative athletic or breeding activity was reported in 70.8% of cases, and owner satisfaction was high (83.3%). Time-to-event analysis indicated markedly reduced survival in horses requiring laparotomy during follow-up. Bayesian logistic models suggested lower mortality and fewer post-discharge complications in horses with prior colic surgery, whereas a history of recurrent colic and laparotomy during follow-up was associated with higher mortality and complications. These results indicate that laparoscopic NSS ablation is an effective and safe procedure for long-term management of horses at risk of LDDLC, allowing a high rate of survival, functional recovery, and owner satisfaction, despite the persistence of occasional colic episodes.
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Publication Date: 2026-02-17 PubMed ID: 41745990PubMed Central: PMC12945131DOI: 10.3390/vetsci13020196Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Overview

  • This study evaluates the short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic nephrosplenic space (NSS) ablation in horses, a surgical technique to prevent recurrent colic caused by left dorsal displacement of the large colon (LDDLC).
  • The research analyzed 48 cases, focusing on postoperative complications, survival, recurrence of colic, return to activity, and owner satisfaction over an extended follow-up period.

Background

  • Left dorsal displacement of the large colon (LDDLC) is a common problem in horses, causing colic and often recurring, which negatively affects horse management, performance, and owner satisfaction.
  • Laparoscopic nephrosplenic space ablation is a minimally invasive surgery that aims to reduce the likelihood of LDDLC recurrence by closing the space where the colon displaces.
  • This procedure has been increasingly used but requires thorough evaluation of outcomes over both short and long terms.

Study Design and Population

  • Retrospective study conducted at two Italian Veterinary Teaching Hospitals from 2016 to 2024.
  • A total of 48 horses with a history of LDDLC and previous medical or surgical treatment underwent laparoscopic NSS ablation.
  • Data included immediate postoperative complications, survival rates, recurrence rates, post-surgical complications, return to activity, and owner satisfaction.

Short-Term Outcomes

  • 91.7% of horses were discharged without complications.
  • Postoperative colic occurred in a small percentage (8.3%) shortly after surgery.
  • The procedure appeared safe with relatively few immediate postoperative issues.

Long-Term Outcomes

  • Survival was high, with an estimated 83.3% one-year post-discharge survival rate using Kaplan-Meier analysis.
  • At the last follow-up, 81.3% of horses were still alive; follow-up ranged from less than a month to almost nine years.
  • About 31.2% of horses experienced post-discharge complications, with recurrent LDDLC being the most common complication.
  • Despite some recurrence of colic, 70.8% returned to their previous level of athletic or breeding activity.
  • Owner satisfaction was high, reported at 83.3%, reflecting positive perceptions of the surgery’s effectiveness and outcomes.

Statistical Analyses and Insights

  • Time-to-event (survival) analysis showed that horses requiring laparotomy during follow-up had significantly reduced survival rates.
  • Bayesian logistic regression models indicated:
    • Lower mortality and fewer complications in horses with a prior history of colic surgery before NSS ablation.
    • Higher mortality and complication rates were associated with recurrent colic history and laparotomy during the follow-up period.

Conclusions and Significance

  • Laparoscopic NSS ablation is a safe and effective method to manage horses at risk of recurrent LDDLC long-term.
  • The surgery allows a high rate of survival and functional recovery, enabling many horses to return to their prior activities.
  • Although occasional colic episodes might still occur, overall recurrence and complication rates are acceptable and manageable.
  • Owner satisfaction is generally high, supporting the use of this technique in clinical practice.
  • The study highlights the importance of early surgical intervention and careful follow-up, especially noting that additional surgeries like laparotomy during follow-up negatively impact outcomes.

Cite This Article

APA
Cerullo A, Scilimati N, Di Nicola MR, Colla L, Mazza S, Bertoletti A, Nannarone S, Gialletti R. (2026). Short- and Long-Term Outcomes in Horses Following Laparoscopic Nephrosplenic Space Ablation. Vet Sci, 13(2), 196. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13020196

Publication

Veterinary sciences
ISSN: 2306-7381
NlmUniqueID: 101680127
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 13
Issue: 2
PII: 196

Researcher Affiliations

Cerullo, Anna
  • Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy.
Scilimati, Nicola
  • Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy.
Di Nicola, Matteo Riccardo
  • Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy.
Colla, Luca
  • Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Luca Ghini 13, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
Mazza, Susanna
  • Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy.
Bertoletti, Alice
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine, Sport Horse Research Centre, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
Nannarone, Sara
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine, Sport Horse Research Centre, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
Gialletti, Rodolfo
  • Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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