equis - Articles
Esophagus: esophagotomy
Introduction
- Treatment of esophageal obstruction Esophagus: impaction or foreign body can involve medical or surgical methods.
- Many cases resolve spontaneously, or following simple medical treatment or gentle manipulative techniques.
- Long-term obstructions, overzealous manipulations and irregular/sharp foreign bodies or obstructions can → esophageal damage and perforations, and are best treated by surgical intervention involving esophagotomy.
Uses
- Removal of foreign bodies or other obstructions Esophagus: impaction of the cervical esophagus.
Advantages
- Can be performed under standing sedation Anesthesia: standing chemical restraint and local anesthesia if required.
- Few complications if performed longitudinally in region of normal esophagus with primary closure.
Disadvantages
- Usually performed under general anesthesia.
- If not sutured, may develop more complications including traction diverticula.
Technical problems
- Damage to the left carotid sheath containing the carotid vessels and recurrent laryngeal nerve.
Alternative techniques
- See Esophagus: impaction.
- Esophagostomy Esophagus: esophagostomy.
Time required
Preparation
- General anesthesia induction and maintenance: 20 min.
- Aseptic preparation: 10-15 min.
Procedure
- Esophagotomy with suturing: 30-45 min.
Decision taking
Criteria for choosing test
- See Esophagus: impaction.
Risk assessment
- Damage to surrounding structures, eg recurrent laryngeal nerve, vagosympathetic trunk.
Requirements
Subscribe To View
This article is available to subscribers.
Try a free trial today or contact us for more information.
Preparation
Subscribe To View
This article is available to subscribers.
Try a free trial today or contact us for more information.
Technique
Subscribe To View
This article is available to subscribers.
Try a free trial today or contact us for more information.
Aftercare
Subscribe To View
This article is available to subscribers.
Try a free trial today or contact us for more information.
Outcomes
Subscribe To View
This article is available to subscribers.
Try a free trial today or contact us for more information.
Further Reading
Publications
Refereed papers
- Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
- Koenig J B, Silveira A, Cribb N C et al (2016) Clinical indications, complications, and long-term outcome of esophageal surgeries in 27 horses. Can Vet J 57 (12), 1257-1262 PubMed.
- Lillich J D, Frees K E, Warrington K et al (2001) Esophagomyotomy and esophagopexy to create a diverticulum for treatment of chronic esophageal stricture in 2 horses. Vet Surg 30 (5), 449-53 PubMed.
Other sources of information
- Fubini S L (2019) Chapter 30: Esophagus. In: Equine Surgery. 5th edn. Eds: Auer J & Stick J. Saunders, USA. pp 474-496.