Technique for long-term right dorsal colon fistulization in ponies

Right dorsal colon fistulas, 2.5 cm in diameter, were created in 2 healthy ponies, using a 2-stage surgical procedure. The first stage consisted of resection of portions of the 16th and 17th ribs on the right side, followed by surgical creation of a 6- to 8-cm-diameter adhesion between the right dorsal colon and the body wall. Fistulas were created approximately 2 weeks after the first surgery by sharp dissection through the adhesion into the lumen of the colon. The fistulas have been satisfactorily maintained for > 2 years by de Pezzer catheters (45 F). Ponies with fistulas have been used for gastrointestinal experiments.