Ultrasonographic assessment of long-term enterectomy sites in dogs.

Abstract

Twenty-eight enterectomy sites from 28 dogs were evaluated sonographically 6 months postoperatively or later. The longest time between the enterectomy and sonography was nearly 7 years. The enterectomy site was visible sonograpically in 22/28 (78.6%) dogs. The enterectomy scar typically appeared as mild focal intestinal wall thickening (90.9%) with altered (90.9%) or absent wall layering (9.1%) over a short distance of the bowel (median 1.2 cm, range from 0.6 to 2.5 cm). Intramural hyperechoic foci, most likely representing fibrosis or nonabsorbed suture material were noted in 63.6% of the visible enterectomy sites. A focal accumulation of intraluminal gas was often seen (81.8%) at the enterectomy site. Additional ultrasonographic features included the presence of an irregular hyperechoic rim bordering the enterectomy site (50%), and a focal deviation of the intestinal course (45.5%). These descriptive features may assist ultrasonographers in differentiating a previous enterectomy site from other focal intestinal changes.