Open peritoneal drainage in horses with experimentally induced peritonitis

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Surgery
• Equine Medicine
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Peritonitis is a significant concern in equine surgery.
• Effective management of abdominal drainage is crucial for patient recovery.
• Limited research exists on open peritoneal drainage techniques in horses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of open peritoneal drainage using a plastic mesh in horses.
• To compare primary abdominal wall closure with open drainage following induced peritonitis.
• To assess the impact on inflammation, adhesions, and incisional complications.

Main Methods:

• Induced peritonitis in 12 horses via celiotomy and ischemia.
• Randomized horses into primary closure or open drainage with a plastic mesh group.
• Monitored peritoneal fluid, serum biochemistry, blood counts, and clinical parameters for 30 days.
• Examined abdominal cavities for adhesions and performed histological analysis of the abdominal wall.

Main Results:

• The plastic mesh facilitated peritoneal fluid egress for 5 days and was well tolerated.
• Horses with primary closure had significantly lower abdominal wall inflammation scores.
• Open drainage led to incisional infections in all horses post-mesh removal.
• Adhesions were observed in both groups, with fewer in the open drainage group.

Conclusions:

• Open peritoneal drainage is technically feasible in horses.
• Primary abdominal wall closure appears to promote better healing with less inflammation.
• Further research is needed to determine the efficacy of open drainage for established peritonitis in horses.