J-incision to approach the cranial abdomen in the adult horse.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a modified celiotomy to improve access to cranial abdominal structures in horses.

ANIMALS

Four horses.

STUDY DESIGN

Short case series.

METHODS

Three horses with gastric impactions were treated with gastrotomies. One horse was treated for a diaphragmatic hernia with herniorrhaphy and mesh augmentation. In all horses, the ventral midline celiotomy was modified cranially with a J-incision through the body wall, along the paracostal arch.

RESULTS

The only surgical complications were midline incisional infections in all horses. Three of the four horses had good long-term outcomes; the remaining horse underwent euthanasia for reasons likely unrelated to incisional complications.

CONCLUSION

The J-incision improved access to the stomach and diaphragm in these horses. The paracostal component healed in all cases without evidence of infection or dehiscence.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This modified celiotomy may be considered to improve access during gastrotomy and repair of dorsally located diaphragmatic hernias.