A modified teniotomy technique for facilitated removal of descending colon enteroliths in horses.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a method for facilitating movement of enteroliths obstructing the proximal portion of the descending colon.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective report.

SAMPLE POPULATION

15 horses.

METHODS

A seromuscular incision through the antimesenteric taenia of the proximal portion of the descending colon was used to facilitate movement of enteroliths.

RESULTS

Teniotomy allowed proximal descending colon enteroliths located within the abdomen or close to the abdominal wall to be advanced 4 to 15 cm in an aboral direction so that they could be exteriorized for safe removal.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Teniotomy is a feasible method for mobilizing enteroliths in the proximal descending colon in locations that cannot otherwise be exteriorized.