Standing hand-assisted laparoscopic treatment of left dorsal displacement of the large colon and closure of the nephrosplenic space.

The research discusses a successful hand-assisted laparoscopic technique performed on horses to treat a condition called left dorsal displacement of the large colon (LDDLC), and close the nephrosplenic space in one single surgical procedure. The procedure resulted in only minor postoperative complications and proved feasible, emphasizing the importance of appropriate case selection.

Research Methodology

• The study was based on case series involving 12 horses aged 5-14 years, treated for LDDLC between the year 2007 and 2010.
• The researchers used a hand-assisted laparoscopic technique coupled with a modified grid laparotomy in the left paralumbar fossa, to manually correct the displacement.
• Simultaneously, the nephrosplenic space was closed using the same laparoscopic technique.
• Follow up was conducted through phone interviews with the owners or referring veterinarians.

Results

• The correction of LDDLC and closure of the nephrosplenic space was successful in all cases, with only minor post-operative complications noted.
• However, over a short-term follow-up period, averaging 23.8 months, two horses experienced displacement of the large colon between the spleen and the body wall.

Conclusions

• The study concluded that standing hand-assisted laparoscopic treatment of LDDLC and closure of the nephrosplenic space in a single surgical procedure is feasible and effective.
• Despite its effectiveness, the paper highlights that appropriate case selection is crucial when performing this combined technique, indicating that not all LDDLC cases can be treated through this method.