Evaluation of a laryngotomy approach for near-total resection of the nasal septum in the horse.
Authors: Loinaz Ricardo J, Boutros Christopher P, Rakestraw Peter C, Taylor Tex S
Journal: Veterinary surgery : VS
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Laryngotomy Approach for Nasal Septum Resection in Horses Surgical removal of the equine nasal septum is occasionally necessary for conditions such as severe deviation or dorsal displacement of the soft palate, yet the optimal approach remains debated among equine surgeons. This descriptive study of ten adult horses compared a modified three-wire trephination technique against a novel two-wire laryngotomy approach for near-total septal resection, with surgical parameters and tissue healing assessed over a 45-day period. Both methods successfully achieved near-total septal removal without major complications; however, the trephination group experienced incisional healing problems whilst the laryngotomy group developed only transient granulation tissue at the rostral septal stump. The laryngotomy technique proved technically simpler to perform and produced a more cosmetically acceptable outcome, suggesting it may offer practical advantages for practitioners performing this procedure. For equine surgeons and referral specialists managing upper airway obstruction cases, this laryngotomy approach represents a viable alternative that potentially reduces operative time and incision-related morbidity compared to traditional trephination methods.
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Practical Takeaways
- •If nasal septum resection is indicated, the laryngotomy approach offers easier execution and better cosmetic results compared to trephination, with minimal post-operative complications
- •Transient granulation tissue is expected with laryngotomy approach but resolves without intervention; this technique appears safer than the trephination alternative
- •This procedure can be reliably performed in field or hospital settings with straightforward instrumentation and minimal morbidity
Key Findings
- •Near-total nasal septum resection was successfully achieved in all 10 horses using either trephination (3-wire) or laryngotomy (2-wire) approach without major complications
- •Laryngotomy approach was technically easier than trephination approach with superior cosmetic outcomes
- •Trephination group experienced incisional complications while laryngotomy group only had transient granulation tissue at the rostral stump
- •Both techniques resulted in comparable septal measurements at 45-day endpoint post-euthanasia