Incisional complications after colic surgery in horses

Abstract

In Equine Medicine, one of the most common emergency problems encountered refers to colic syndrome and surgical resolution is a possible therapeutic approach. Despite many recent advances in surgical and postoperative management, complications following ventral midline celiotomy often occur. Amongst these, incisional complications include dehiscence, incisional infection, incisional drainage, and hernia formation. A variety of factors must be analysed and considered in the clinical decision process, and adequate preventive measures are recommended to reduce the risk of the events. The present review focuses on incisional complications, as they present the most common postsurgical complications encountered, detailing on its pathogenesis, pre-, intra-, and postoperative management, diagnosis, therapeutics, and prognosis.