Laparoscopic closure of the nephrosplenic space for prevention of recurrent nephrosplenic entrapment of the ascending colon.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate outcome after laparoscopic closure of the nephrosplenic space in horses that had previous nephrosplenic entrapment of ascending colon (left dorsal displacement of the left colon; LDDLC).

STUDY

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SAMPLE POPULATION: Horses that had previous LDDLC.

METHODS

Medical records of horses that had LDDLC and subsequent laparoscopic nephrosplenic space closure between 2002 and 2004 were retrieved. Follow-up information was obtained by telephone interview of owners. Preoperative versus postoperative comparisons were: incidence of LDDLC, incidence of colic signs, and incidence of ventral celiotomy. Data were analyzed using a chi2-square test with significance set at P<.05.

RESULTS

Ten horses met the inclusion criteria. Mean follow-up was 22 months. No horses had recurrence of LDDLC; however, 3 horses had colic signs subsequently that required surgical intervention. Over the follow-up period there was a significant decrease in the total incidence of colic and ventral celiotomy. Technique modifications included use of different cannula site locations, use of polyglyconate suture material for nephrosplenic space closure, and development of a custom cannula.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic nephrosplenic space closure prevented recurrence of LDDLC, and significantly lowered the overall incidence of colic and ventral celiotomy. The custom-designed cannula provided good access to the operative site and no complications were encountered with use of polyglyconate suture material for nephrosplenic space closure.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Closure of the nephrosplenic space will prevent LDDLC; however, other surgical lesions can occur.