Laparoscopic intestinal exploration and full-thickness intestinal biopsy in standing horses: a pilot study

To assess a laparoscopic technique for equine intestinal biopsy.

Experimental study.

Seven adult horses.

Food but not water was withheld for 36 hours before laparoscopy. In 3 horses (group A) standing, right laparoscopic access to different small intestinal segments was compared with ventral median celiotomy access. Inaccessible segments were identified at necropsy. In 4 horses (group B), the feasibility of obtaining full-thickness duodenal and cecal biopsies and any associated morbidity were evaluated. Biopsy specimens were collected during standing right laparoscopy using a 2-step procedure and intracorporeal suturing technique, and abdominal lavage was performed. Horses were monitored clinically and by abdominal fluid cytology and microbial culture, and repeat laparoscopy was performed on day 6.

Standing right flank laparoscopy provided good observation of small intestinal segments and enabled manipulation of all but 15-20 cm of the duodenum and approximately 40 cm more ileum compared with ventral median celiotomy. Group B horses had no complications, no adhesions, and no bacterial growth from peritoneal fluid samples. None of the horses had signs of abdominal pain.

A 2-stage intestinal biopsy technique performed during standing, right flank laparoscopy may be a safe alternative to exploratory celiotomy and biopsy in normal horses.

Right flank laparoscopy allows biopsy of intestinal segments including duodenum and 50% more of the ileum than is accessible by ventral median celiotomy. This technique should be evaluated in clinical patients.