Surgical corrections and postsurgical complications of epiglottic entrapment in Thoroughbreds: 12 cases (2009-2015).

The paper discusses a research study on surgical interventions and ensuing postoperative complications in twelve Thoroughbred horses with a condition known as epiglottic entrapment. The paper analyses four distinct surgical methods applied for the treatment and assesses their success and the possible complications that ensued.

Research Background

• Epiglottic entrapment, a condition commonly seen in Thoroughbred racehorses, was the central focus of the study. Epiglottic entrapment is a condition where the free edge of the epiglottis — a leaf-shaped flap of cartilage located at the base of the tongue that keeps food from going into the windpipe — becomes trapped within the horse’s airway, leading to breathing and performance problems.
• This research was conducted at the Korea Racing Authority equine hospital, where twelve horses suffering from this respiratory disorder were treated through surgical methods.

Surgical Correction Techniques for Epiglottic Entrapment

• In order to rectify the condition in the horses, the researchers employed four different surgical techniques: the transnasal hook bistoury, transoral unshielded hook bistoury, transnasal shielded hook bistoury, and transendoscopic laser techniques.
• The transnasal hook bistoury involves threading a bistoury blade through the nostril and back out through the mouth of the horse, which is then used to relieve the entrapped epiglottis.
• The transoral unshielded hook bistoury is similar but the procedure comes directly from the mouth.
• The transnasal shielded hook bistoury also threads through the nose, but it involves the use of an additional ‘shielding’ device designed to protect the soft tissues of the horse from possible trauma.
• The transendoscopic laser technique uses a laser to cut the aryepiglottic fold (tissue that covers the epiglottis) to free the entrapped epiglottis, while concurrently observing the procedure through an endoscope.

Results and Complications

• Following the surgeries, eleven cases were successfully treated. However, one case presented with a recurrence of the condition.
• The study records five complications related to the surgical procedures which include severe nasal passage laceration and bleeding, an epiglottic laceration, burns at the tip of the epiglottis and a moderate nasal passage laceration.
• These complications signify an approximately 41.7% intraoperative complication rate.

Conclusion

• The research thereby emphasizes the necessity to thoroughly consider the potential for surgical complications when selecting the appropriate surgical procedure for the correction of epiglottic entrapment in Thoroughbred horses.