Complications and Comorbidities in Foals Undergoing Surgical Repair for Uroperitoneum.
Authors: Ford Matthew G, Nelson Brad B, Ford Troy S, Souza Camila R S, Easley Jeremiah T, Hackett Eileen S
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
Uroperitoneum in foals can be surgically corrected, yet post-operative complications remain poorly characterised in the literature. This three-centre retrospective case series examined 45 foals undergoing surgical repair, focusing on complications, management strategies, and long-term outcomes in the 13 cases (29%) that experienced post-operative problems. Recurrent uroperitoneum emerged as the most common complication, occurring in 9 foals (20%) within 12–264 hours post-surgery; these cases responded well to medical management with indwelling urinary catheter placement (3–7 days duration), repeat celiotomy, or a combination approach, with 67% surviving to discharge and 80% remaining problem-free beyond 2 years. Interestingly, surgical technique variables—including whether bladder tear margins were debrided and the choice of suture material or pattern—did not significantly influence recurrence or survival rates, suggesting that post-operative catheterisation may be more critical than intra-operative technical decisions. For practitioners managing foals with recurrent uroperitoneum, these findings support continued aggressive intervention through medical and surgical means, as outcomes remain favourable even when initial repair fails.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Plan for close post-operative monitoring in the first 12-264 hours after uroperitoneum repair, as recurrence is not uncommon (20%) but can be successfully managed with medical or repeat surgical intervention
- •Indwelling urinary catheters should be considered as part of the treatment protocol for recurrent uroperitoneum, as they significantly improve outcomes even when recurrence occurs
- •Surgical technique decisions (debriding bladder edges, suture material/pattern selection) do not influence recurrence rates or survival, allowing flexibility in surgical approach
Key Findings
- •29% (13/45) of foals undergoing surgical repair for uroperitoneum developed complications or comorbidities
- •Uroperitoneum recurred in 20% (9/45) of foals 12-264 hours post-operatively
- •67% (6/9) of foals with recurrent uroperitoneum survived to hospital discharge, and 80% of cases treated for recurrence were alive without active medical problems >2 years later
- •Indwelling urinary catheters maintained for 3-7 days combined with medical/surgical intervention successfully resolved recurrent uroperitoneum