canis - Articles
Enterotomy
Introduction
- Common surgical procedure to:
- Remove intestinal foreign bodies Intestine: linear foreign bodies
. - To obtain full thickness intestinal biopsies for histopathological examination.
- Remove intestinal foreign bodies Intestine: linear foreign bodies
Uses
Advantages
- Removal of intestintal foreign bodies. Full thickness intestinal biopsies can have a higher diagnostic yield potential compared to endoscopic intestinal biopsies Enteroscopy.
Disadvantages
- Invasive surgical procedure.
- Anesthetic risks Anesthesia: complications - overview.
- Potential post-operative complications including dehiscence, septic peritonitis Peritonitis, adhesions, ileus Ileus, abscess, stricture.
Alternative techniques
- Endoscopic intestinal biopsies.
- Obstructing non-passing small intestinal foreign bodies will have to be retrieved surgically.
Time required
Preparation
- 15-30 minutes.
Procedure
- 60-90 minutes.
Decision taking
Diagnostics
- Hematology biochemistry Blood biochemistry: overview, electrolytes and blood gasses.
- If animal is unstable and/or GI perforation is suspected, stabilize patient for shock Shock.
- Radiographs to assess for obstructive pattern. Ultrasound depending on experience for further localization of obstruction and characterization as well as free fluid in abdomen. CT Computed tomography has been shown to be rapid and accurate for the diagnosis of intestinal obstruction.
- If free abdominal fluid perform abdominocentesis Abdominocentesis for cytology, lactate and glucose measurements. Compare to peripheral measurements.
Pre-operative treatment
- If animal is unstable and/or GI perforation is suspected/confirmed, stabilize patient for shock Shock. Correct/stabilize any electrolyte imbalance as appropriate.
Requirements
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Preparation
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Technique
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Aftercare
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Outcomes
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed papers
- Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
- Mullen K M et al (2021) Evaluation of intraoperative leak testing of small intestinal anastomoses performed by hand-swen and stapled techniques in dogs: 131 cases (2008-2019). JAVMA 258 (9), 991-998 PubMed.
- Winter M D et al (2017) Ultrasonographic and computed tomographic characterization and localization of suspected mechanical gastrointestinal obstruction in dogs. JAVMA 251 (3), 315-321 PubMed.
Other source of information
- Giuffrida M A & Brown D C (2017) Small Intestine. In: Veterinary Surgery Small Animal. 2nd edn. Eds: Johnston S A, Tobias K M. Elsevier, USA. pp 1730-1761.