Pelvic flexure enterotomy in the horse: A review of current literature

Abstract

Enterotomy of the pelvic flexure is commonly performed during colic surgery in the horse to empty the large colon of its contents. A two-layer closure with absorbable suture material is recommended, but a consensus has not been established. Many different techniques have been described and tested to evaluate surgical time, luminal diameter reduction, bursting pressure and post-operative complications including adhesion formation. The results of these studies vary within and between enterotomy techniques. The objective of this narrative review was to evaluate and summarise relevant published literature on pelvic flexure enterotomy techniques in the horse.