Clinical assessment and outcome of three techniques for jejunal resection and anastomosis in horses: 59 cases (1989-2000).
OBJECTIVE
To compare postoperative complications, short- and long-term survival, and surgical times for hand-sewn end-to-end (EE), stapled functional end-to-end (FEE), and stapled side-to-side (SS) anastomotic techniques for jejunal resection in horses.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
59 horses.


METHODS
Medical records were reviewed to obtain signalment, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome for horses that underwent jejunojejunostomy in our hospital. Only horses that recovered from anesthesia were included in the study.


RESULTS
Among the 59 horses, there were 33 EE, 15 FEE, and 11 SS anastomoses. No difference was found in duration of surgery among the 3 techniques. The most common postoperative complications were colic episodes (56%), ileus (53%), diarrhea (20%), and adhesions (15%). Horses with SS anastomosis had a significantly shorter duration of postoperative ileus than the EE group did. No significant difference in duration of postoperative ileus was found among the other groups. No difference was found among the 3 anastomotic techniques in regard to survival rate at the time of discharge, 6 months after surgery, or 1 year after surgery. Overall survival rates after jejunal anastomosis were 88% at the time of discharge, 65% at 6 months after surgery, and 57% at > or = 1 year after surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
The hand-sewn EE, stapled FEE, and stapled SS anastomotic techniques should be considered equivalent methods for small intestinal anastomosis in the horse. However, the stapled SS technique may be preferred because of possible decreased duration of postoperative ileus.
Equine Hospital, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
Stacy A
SA
Semevolos
Norm G
NG
Ducharme
Richard P
RP
Hackett
D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000379:methods / Q000401:mortality / Q000662:veterinary; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006736:Horses / Q000601:surgery*; D007583:Jejunum / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000662:veterinary*; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015996:Survival Rate; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000662:veterinary; D016896:Treatment Outcome