Surgical correction of nephrosplenic entrapment of the large colon in 3 horses via standing left flank laparotomy.

This research investigates a surgical technique for treating horses with nephrosplenic entrapment using standing left flank laparotomy. The researchers find the method to be a viable alternative in cases where general anesthesia is not possible due to budget constraints or high anesthetic risks, resulting in a favorable outcome, reduced hospitalization period and a rapid return to function.

Objective and Methods

• The study aimed at exploring a surgical method named standing left flank laparotomy for the correction of nephrosplenic entrapment in horses.
• This investigation was carried out as a case series on three equines diagnosed with nephrosplenic entrapment using abdominal palpation and transabdominal ultrasonography.
• The condition of these horses did not improve even after medical management, phenylephrine administration, and jogging were applied.
• The surgical procedure was conducted while the horses were standing, under local analgesia and sedation.
• Further information was obtained through telephone communication with the horse trainers or owners.

Results

• The standing flank laparotomy procedure was successful in treating the nephrosplenic entrapment in all involved horses.
• Only one horse encountered postoperative fever during the recovery period.
• The horses’ discharge occurred between 48-72 hours post-surgery, and they were able to return to their regular functions within a month.

Conclusion

• The study suggests the standing left flank laparotomy technique as an alternative for treating nephrosplenic entrapment in horses. This is especially significant if options involving general anesthesia are unfeasible due to economic factors or high anesthetic risks.
• The technique leads to successful results, lowers hospitalization time and associated expenses, and ensures a swift return to the horse’s routine functions.