Prosthetic mesh repair of abdominal wall hernias in horses

Clinical efficacy of electrosurgery and steel scalpel surgery for umbilical herniorrhaphy in bovine calves: A comparative analysis

Electrosurgery (ES) offers a promising alternative to conventional steel scalpel surgery (SSS), providing superior hemorrhage control and efficient tissue dissection with minimal invasiveness. Given the limited literature, this study aims to compare the clinical efficacy of ES with that of SSS in bovine umbilical herniorrhaphy. Fourteen crossbred male calves with reducible umbilical hernias, aged less than one month and weighing 25-47 kg, were randomly assigned to two experimental groups: group A (ES) and group B (SSS), each containing seven calves. Clinical parameters, such as temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and SpO2, were recorded 10 min preoperatively, intraoperatively at 20 and 40 min, and 10 min postoperatively. Hematobiochemical parameters, including total erythrocyte count, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, total serum protein, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine, were also assessed at these intervals. Skin incision length, volume of blood loss, surgical duration, healing time, postoperative complications, and postoperative pain response were documented. Furthermore, a sonographic evaluation of postoperative wound healing was conducted. The clinical and hematobiochemical parameters did not vary significantly between the groups. However, significant variations (p<0.05) were noted in skin incision length, volume of blood loss, surgical duration, and healing time between the groups. Group A calves experienced smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, shorter surgical duration, quicker recovery, and fewer postoperative complications and pain. The ultrasonographic evaluation revealed superior postoperative wound healing in group A compared to group B. These findings suggest that ES is a more effective clinical approach than traditional SSS for umbilical herniorrhaphy in bovine calves.

Incisional infections associated with ventral midline celiotomy in horses

OBJECTIVE

To review the veterinary literature regarding healing and complications associated with equine celiotomy including anatomy and physiology, risk factors for incisional infection and hernia, and treatment.

ETIOLOGY

Celiotomy is the most common approach to treat horses with surgical colic. Incision through the linea alba provides exposure to most of the abdomen for exploration, exteriorization, and correction of surgical lesions. Incisional apposition relies on suture strength during anesthetic recovery and for the first 30 days postoperatively. Factors associated with the patient, surgical lesion and procedures, anesthesia, and recovery put the horse at risk for surgical site infection. Infection is the most important risk factor for incisional hernia formation.

DIAGNOSIS

A presumptive diagnosis of surgical site infection is made based on the presence of fever and incisional swelling, pain, and discharge. Ultrasonography can be used to identify areas of fluid accumulation prior to the appearance of incisional drainage. Definitive diagnosis is based on positive bacteriologic culture of the incisional discharge. Incisional hernia is diagnosed by palpation of the incision, usually 30-60 days after surgery. Ultrasound of the incision may aide in early diagnosis of incisional hernia if gaps along the incision in the linea alba are apparent.

THERAPY

No objective data exist to assess the efficacy of specific therapies for surgical site infections following celiotomy. Principles of treatment include the establishment of drainage, bandaging, antimicrobial therapy based on culture and sensitivity, and extended rest in an attempt to avoid incisional hernia or dehiscence. Treatment for incisional hernia includes prolonged circumferential bandaging, open or minimally invasive hernia repair, or no treatment.

PROGNOSIS

Incisional complications are associated with prolonged convalescence and diminished prognosis for return to athleticism. Limiting risk factors for surgical site infections, prompt treatment, and incisional support may optimize celiotomy healing and timely return to function. Horses compete in many disciplines with incisional hernias.