Prosthetic Mesh for Obliteration of the Nephrosplenic Space in Horses: 26 Clinical Cases.
Authors: Burke Megan J, Parente Eric J
Journal: Veterinary surgery : VS
Summary
# Nephrosplenic Space Obliteration Using Prosthetic Mesh: Clinical Outcomes in 26 Cases Displacement of the large colon through the nephrosplenic space remains a significant cause of colic in horses, and whilst surgical correction is standard, recurrence rates following traditional suture closure have prompted investigation of alternative techniques. Burke and Parente's retrospective analysis examined 26 horses treated with laparoscopic placement of Proxplast™ mesh secured with titanium helical coils between 2006 and 2013, evaluating surgical complications, post-operative colic occurrence, and long-term functional recovery. All 26 horses survived to discharge; of the 25 available for follow-up, 23 returned to previous function and 21 were alive at final contact, with no deaths attributable to the procedure itself. Post-operative colic occurred in 10 horses (38%), yet none presented with recurrent nephrosplenic entrapment, suggesting the obliteration remained effective even when secondary colic developed. The lack of mesh-related surgical complications and high functional recovery rate indicates that prosthetic mesh obliteration offers a durable alternative to suture-based techniques, though the substantial post-operative colic rate warrants careful owner counselling and continued monitoring during the first year following surgery.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Prosthetic mesh obliteration is a safe, effective surgical option for preventing nephrosplenic entrapment recurrence with no procedure-related complications in this case series
- •Post-obliteration colic occurred in 38% of cases but was not due to entrapment recurrence, suggesting other causes should be investigated if colic develops
- •Most horses (92%) return to previous function after mesh obliteration, making this a practical preventive surgery for horses with confirmed or high-risk nephrosplenic entrapment
Key Findings
- •All 26 horses survived to discharge with no mesh obliteration-related complications reported
- •23 of 25 horses (92%) with long-term follow-up returned to previous level of function
- •10 horses (38%) experienced colic after mesh obliteration, but none had recurrent nephrosplenic entrapment
- •Laparoscopic mesh obliteration using Proxplast and titanium helical coils was successful in preventing nephrosplenic entrapment recurrence