Post-operative reflux – a surgeon's perspective

Abstract

Post-operative ileus (POI) is a well-recognised complication of colic surgery that accounts for a high proportion of post-operative deaths. Although much has been written about the pathophysiology and management of POI in horses, most studies seem to apply research findings to the clinical case without full regard for the clinical evidence. Although much attention has focused recently on the role of inflammation, this narrow focus might explain our failure to make important advances in managing horses with this complication. This commentary is offered to redirect our current thinking about POI away from an approach that predominantly emphasises a functional disorder and medical management, to one that addresses surgical prevention.