Use of an active intra-abdominal drain in 67 horses.

This research paper investigates the use of an active, closed-suction abdominal drain in horses. It looks at the technique of insertion, its effectiveness, and any associated complications, finding that while minor complications are common, the procedure is generally a beneficial addition to the treatment of peritonitis and at-risk horses.

Study Methodology

• The study is retrospective in nature, reviewing medical records of horses that had a closed-suction abdominal drain inserted between 1989 and 1996.
• A total of 67 horses that had suffered abdominal contamination were studied. All of these horses were treated through abdominal lavage (washing out the abdominal cavity) and the use of a closed-suction abdominal drain.
• Follow-up information was obtained by conducting telephone interviews with the owners of the horses.

Results

• 68 closed-suction abdominal drains were used in the 67 horses, employed to either prevent adhesion formation or treat peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum) and abdominal contamination.
• The drain was placed either under general anesthesia (in 62 horses) or while the horse was standing (in 6 cases).
• Abdominal lavage was carried out every 4 to 12 hours and around 83% of the peritoneal lavage solution was successfully retrieved through the drainage system.

Complications

• About half of the horses (49%) experienced minor complications linked to the drain use. These included slow passage or obstruction of fluid through the drain (26%), leakage of fluid around the drain (16%), and subcutaneous fluid accumulation around the drain (12%).
• Incisional suppuration (the formation of pus at the incision site) occurred in 32% of the horses and incisional herniation (protrusion of abdominal contents at the incision site) in 11% of horses. Despite these complications, the benefits of the procedure were found to generally outweigh the issues.

Conclusions

• The active abdominal drain system could be easily inserted and was associated primarily with minor complications.
• These procedures are beneficial as a preventive measure in horses at risk of septic peritonitis and abdominal adhesions, or as a form of treatment for peritonitis.
• The research advises clinicians to be aware of the high frequency of minor complications when considering this treatment option.