Thoracoscopic-assisted diaphragmatic hernia repair using a thoracic rib resection.

This research examines the surgical treatment of a diaphragmatic hernia in a horse using thoracoscopic-assisted rib resection. The case study involves a six-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding and suggests that thoracoscopy, rib resection, and flank incision can be effective methods for addressing this type of hernia.

Objective

The purpose of this research is to evaluate and describe the surgical treatment of a dorsal diaphragmatic hernia in an adult horse. The procedure under examination employs thoracic rib resection, which was aided by thoracoscopy and flank incision.

Methods

• The study used a case report methodology, focusing on a singular client-owned horse rather than a larger sample size.
• The horse, a six-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, was admitted with a colonic incarceration (entrapment of a part of the colon) in a diaphragmatic hernia, which was associated with symptoms of colic (abdominal pain).
• Initially, the gelding underwent surgery to address the colic issue. Subsequently, seven weeks after the initial surgery, the hernia repair operation was conducted.

Results

• The surgical team utilized both thoracoscopy and a flank incision to identify the hernia’s location and the site suitable for rib resection.
• The gelding’s stomach was found to have adhered to the edges of the hernia defect, leaving a small residual hole.
• The resection of the 14th rib offered excellent visibility of the defect and facilitated the successful closure of the remaining hernia.

Conclusions

• Based on the results of this case study, thoracic rib resection appears to be an effective approach to access and repair diaphragmatic hernias in adult horses.
• The use of thoracoscopy or flank incision, or a combination of both, may assist in identifying the most suitable rib for resection.