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Surgical Closure of Equine Abdomen, Prevention, and Management of Incisional Complications
Published on: May 10, 2024
Nephrectomy via ventral median celiotomy in equids.
Carolyn E Arnold1, Tex Taylor, M Keith Chaffin
1Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA. carnold@cvm.tamu.edu
Veterinary Surgery : VS
|February 26, 2013
Summary
A ventral median celiotomy is a viable surgical technique for unilateral nephrectomy in equids. This approach provided adequate kidney access and led to successful outcomes in most cases, with long-term follow-up showing no complications.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Surgery
- Equine Medicine
- Abdominal Surgery
Background:
- Nephrectomy in equids is indicated for various renal diseases.
- Surgical approaches for equine nephrectomy require careful consideration for access and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the technique and report the outcomes of nephrectomy performed via a ventral median celiotomy in equids.
- To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of this surgical approach.
Main Methods:
- A case series involving six equids (horses, donkey, mule) with unilateral renal disease.
- Nephrectomy was performed using a ventral median celiotomy, with specific techniques for organ manipulation and kidney dissection.
- Surgical access, kidney isolation, ligation of renal vessels and ureter, and abdominal closure were detailed.
Main Results:
- The ventral median approach provided adequate access to the kidney in all six cases.
- Successful unilateral nephrectomy was performed for conditions including ectopic ureter, verminous nephritis, and idiopathic hematuria.
- Two horses experienced postoperative complications (peritonitis, chylous effusion) that were medically managed; long-term follow-up (1-8 years) revealed no surgery-related complications.
Conclusions:
- Ventral median celiotomy is a practical and effective surgical approach for unilateral nephrectomy in equids.
- This technique is suitable for equids weighing up to 434 kg and addresses various unilateral renal pathologies.
