Introduction

• Surgical entry to the equine abdomen is performed for the diagnostic evaluation and surgical treatment of gastrointestinal disease, Caesarean section Uterus: caesarean section, cryptorchidectomy Testis: cryptorchidectomy - inguinal / parainguinal, ovariectomy Ovary: ovariectomy - laparotomy approach, urinary tract surgery particularly of the bladder Bladder: cystotomy, and repair of the abdominal wall.
• A number of different approaches to the equine abdomen are available, including:
  • Ventral midline.
  • Ventral paramedian.
  • Inguinal.
  • Flank.

Exposure of the entire abdominal viscera is impossible through one incision.

• Successful abdominal surgery requires:
  • The correct choice of abdominal incision.
  • Careful execution of the selected approach.
  • Protection of the incised tissues during abdominal exploration.
  • Meticulous closure.
• Judgements as to the most appropriate abdominal approach are based on:
  • Adequate access and exposure of abdominal contents.
  • Ease of extension of incision.
  • Minimal damage to, and interference with function of, the body wall.
  • Simple technique to minimize surgery time.
  • Good, secure closure.
  • Healing without impairment of function.

Ventral midline

Paramedian

Inguinal

Flank

Post-operative management

Complications

Risk factors for incisional complications

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• Bathe A P (1998) Surgical approaches to the abdomen of the horse. Equine Vet Educ 10 (1), 12-15 VetMedResource.
• Van Hoogmoed L & Snyder J R (1997) Adjunctive methods in equine gastrointestinal surgery. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 13 (2), 221-242 PubMed.
• Muller P O & Allen D (1996) Instrumentation and techniques in equine gastrointestinal surgery. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 12 (2), 207-233 PubMed.
• Wilson D A, Baker G J & Boero M J (1995) Complications of celiotomy incisions in horses. Vet Surg 24, 506-514 PubMed.

Other sources of information

• Klohnen A & Panizzi L (2008) Incisional complications after right paramedian celiotomy in horses with colic: 57 cases (2002-2005). In: 9th International Equine Colic Reserarch Symposium. Liverpool, UK.