Surgical corrections and postsurgical complications of epiglottic entrapment in Thoroughbreds: 12 cases (2009-2015)

Twelve Thoroughbred racehorses were diagnosed as epiglottic entrapment at the Korea Racing Authority equine hospital. Four different surgical correction techniques were used to treat epiglottic entrapment: the transnasal hook bistoury, transoral unshielded hook bistoury, transnasal shielded hook bistoury, and transendoscopic laser techniques. Eleven cases were surgically resolved eventually, with one case of recurrence. Five complications related to surgical correction occurred: a severe nasal passage laceration and bleeding (n=1), epiglottic laceration (n=1), epiglottis tip burns (n=2), and moderate nasal passage laceration (n=1). Intraoperative complications occurred in approximately 41.7% of cases. Thus, the possibility of surgical complication should be considered thoroughly when choosing a surgical technique for correction of epiglottic entrapment.