Prevention of post operative complications following surgical treatment of equine colic: Current evidence.
Authors: Salem S E, Proudman C J, Archer D C
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary Despite dramatic improvements in post-operative survival following equine colic surgery over recent decades, complications remain a significant clinical challenge that compromises welfare, reduces return-to-function outcomes, and substantially increases treatment costs. Salem and colleagues undertook a comprehensive review of the scientific literature to evaluate evidence surrounding risk factors and preventive interventions for post-operative complications, synthesising findings from multiple studies to guide clinical practice. Their analysis reveals considerable inconsistency across the research—many proposed interventions lack robust supporting evidence, whilst findings from different studies frequently contradict one another, making evidence-based decision-making challenging for practitioners. The authors identify critical gaps in study design and methodology that have contributed to these contradictions, highlighting the need for better-controlled trials and standardised outcome measures to establish which interventions genuinely reduce complication rates. This review provides equine professionals with a realistic appraisal of where the evidence is strongest and where cautious scepticism remains warranted, whilst mapping out priority areas for future research that could meaningfully improve post-operative outcomes and patient welfare.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •While surgical colic outcomes have improved significantly, post-operative complications remain a major concern affecting both horse recovery and financial burden of treatment
- •Current evidence on prevention strategies is inconsistent; consult latest clinical guidelines and work closely with your surgical team to implement evidence-based post-operative protocols
- •Further research is needed to establish which specific interventions are truly effective in reducing complications, so stay current with emerging literature in this field
Key Findings
- •Post-operative complications remain common despite improved survival rates over the last 30 years following surgical colic management
- •Multiple studies investigating risk factors and interventions for post-operative complications show frequently contradictory findings
- •Evidence for many interventions aimed at reducing post-operative complications is lacking or inconclusive
- •Post-operative complications negatively impact horse welfare, survival probability, return to function, and treatment costs