Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Ultrasound signs of early intestinal suture leaks in dogs
By Costanzo, Giulia et al.·Published in Frontiers in veterinary science·2023·AniCura Istituto Veterinario Novara, Italy·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Ultrasonographic assessment of early leakage in intestinal sutures in dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Seven dogs developed leaks in their intestinal sutures just a few days after gastrointestinal surgery, which can lead to serious complications. Using ultrasound, veterinarians were able to spot early signs of these leaks, such as thickened bowel walls and unusual patterns around the surgical site. This imaging technique can help detect problems before the dogs show symptoms of infection, allowing for quicker treatment. Early detection is crucial to improving recovery outcomes after surgery.
People also search for: dog intestinal surgery complications · dog ultrasound for leakage · signs of infection after dog surgery
Abstract
Intestinal suture dehiscence is one of the most feared complications following gastrointestinal surgery in both human and veterinary medicine, increasing the morbidity and mortality of these patients. Clinical and laboratory early signs of septic peritonitis are not always easily identifiable while prompt treatment should help decrease postoperative morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to describe the ultrasonographic (US) features of confirmed leakage of intestinal sutures (LIS) and to evaluate if this imaging technique can be useful as noninvasive tool for the early diagnosis of LIS. Seven dogs developed LIS in a range of three-four days after gastrointestinal surgery and four of these developed a second dehiscence. On B-mode ultrasonography, all intestinal surgical sites were identified and characterized by a bowel focal thickening with reduced or absent wall layering and the presence of hyperechoic, double-walled foci at regular intervals (suture material). Furthermore, hyperechoic linear interfaces associated with dirty acoustic shadowing and comet-tail artifacts crossing the intestinal wall to free-float in peritoneal cavity or in a saccate collection have been documented. On the basis of these preliminary results, canine abdominal ultrasound seems to be a useful diagnostic technique for post-operative monitoring of patients undergoing intestinal surgery, allowing early detection of signs of a LIS, before the patient develops clinical signs of septic peritonitis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36937009/