Survey of diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons regarding postoperative intra-abdominal adhesion formation in horses undergoing abdominal surgery.

This veterinary research aims to understand the prevalence, risk factors, and prevention methods related to postoperative adhesion formation in horses undergoing abdominal surgery. It involved a survey of experts in equine surgery and examined their views on this issue.

Survey Methodology

• The research utilized a survey method. Around 196 questionnaires were mailed to diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons involved in equine practice.
• The return rate of the questionnaires was 31% with 60 surveys filled and returned out of the initial 196 sent out.

Views on Postoperative Adhesion Formation

• The survey showed that most respondents (55 out of 60) regularly informed their clients about the risk of postoperative adhesion formation in horses with small intestinal lesions.
• According to the respondents, restitution procedures like the small intestinal resection and anastomosis and any abdominal surgery in foals were most commonly followed by measures to prevent adhesions. This perspective was shared by 93% (56 out of 60) of the participants.

Adhesion Prevention Methods

• The top four methods deemed effective at preventing adhesion formation by the respondents included meticulous surgical technique, use of antibiotics, intraoperative peritoneal lavage, and methods that prevent abdominal contamination.
• Many of the prevention regimens considered effective in literature were reportedly not commonly applied in practice.

Management and Treatment

• 50 out of 60 respondents believed that horses suffering from colic due to adhesion formation could be managed medically.
• However, treating horses with severe adhesions that necessitated additional surgery was reported as less than successful half of the time by 90% (54 out of 60) of the respondents.

Conclusions Drawn

• Overall, the respondents held the view that less than 15% of horses undergoing abdominal surgery would develop adhesions.
• Horses with small intestinal disease and foals were identified as most likely to develop adhesions.
• The practitioners regarded meticulous surgical technique as the most crucial factor in preventing adhesions.