Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Standing laparoscopy combined with a conventional inguinal approach to treat extended septic funiculitis in 12 horses.
- Journal:
- Veterinary surgery : VS
- Year:
- 2022
- Authors:
- Comino, Francesco et al.
- Affiliation:
- SLU University Animal Hospital (UDS)
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
This study looked at a new way to treat a serious infection in the spermatic cord of horses that can happen after they are castrated. Twelve horses were treated using a two-step surgery that combined a technique called standing laparoscopy with a traditional approach. The surgery was successful, with all horses recovering well and no major complications during the procedure. After three months, all the surgical sites had healed completely, and there were no signs of the infection coming back. Overall, this method appears to be safe and effective for treating this condition in horses.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe a 2-step surgical procedure combining standing laparoscopy with a conventional inguinal approach to treat deep intra-abdominal funiculitis (extended septic funiculitis) after castration. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SAMPLE POPULATION: Twelve client-owned horses. METHODS: Medical records of horses treated for extended septic funiculitis with the 2-step surgical procedure were reviewed. Data collected included the initial castration technique, number of surgical interventions for septic funiculitis prior to presentation, clinical signs, diagnostic and surgical procedure, and short-term and long-term survival. RESULTS: Complete resection of the infected spermatic cord was achieved without intraoperative complications. Intra-abdominal adhesions were documented in 6 horses, involving the ascending colon (4 cases) and descending colon (2 cases). Postoperatively, minor incisional swelling (2/12) and emphysema (3/12) at the laparoscopic portals were observed. All horses survived to discharge. At 3 months, wounds had completely healed without complications. No recurrence of signs was recorded at long-term follow up (4-36 months after discharge). CONCLUSION: In cases of extended septic funiculitis, complete resection of the infected spermatic cord can be safely performed using a laparoscopic-assisted surgical approach, reducing postoperative complications and risk of recurrence of infection.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35436003/