Long-term prognosis of gastrojejunostomy in foals with gastric outflow obstruction: 16 cases (2001-2006).
Authors: Coleman M C, Slovis N M, Hunt R J
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Gastrojejunostomy for Foals with Gastric Outflow Obstruction Gastroduodenal ulceration causing gastric outflow obstruction in foals has historically been regarded as a poor surgical prospect, yet limited long-term outcome data existed to substantiate this pessimism. Coleman and colleagues reviewed 16 foals that underwent gastrojejunostomy between 2001 and 2006, tracking survival rates, post-operative complications, and racing careers through owner and veterinary follow-up. Whilst all 16 foals survived initial hospitalisation, only 8 reached racing age, with 7 progressing to training and 3 actually competing on the track—substantially better than previously anecdotal reports would suggest. Post-operative complications (including infection, adhesion formation, and functional disorders) accounted for the losses in foals that did not survive to racing age, highlighting the importance of meticulous surgical technique and post-operative management. For practitioners managing foals with refractory gastric ulceration and outflow obstruction unresponsive to medical therapy, gastrojejunostomy represents a defensible surgical intervention with a realistic prognosis, though informed consent should acknowledge the significant proportion of cases requiring intensive aftercare and the uncertain long-term athletic outcomes even in those foals that do progress to training.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Gastrojejunostomy is a viable surgical option for foals with gastric outflow obstruction from ulceration, with better outcomes than traditionally reported
- •Immediate survival is excellent (100%), but complications in the postoperative period determine whether foals reach racing age
- •If surgical candidates progress past early complications, approximately half can be expected to reach racing age with potential for racing careers
Key Findings
- •All 16 foals survived to immediate hospital discharge following gastrojejunostomy surgery
- •8 of 16 foals (50%) survived to racing age, with 7 entering training and 3 actually racing
- •Long-term success rate appears somewhat better than previously reported in literature
- •Foals that did not reach racing age experienced various postoperative complications