Our Summary

This study aimed to understand the intestinal inflammation in horses that underwent colic surgery. Researchers analyzed samples from the intestines of horses that had this surgery and compared them to samples from horses that were euthanized for reasons not related to their digestive system. They studied the activity of certain genes involved in inflammation. It was found that the gene activity related to inflammation was greater in the horses that had colic surgery. This increased gene activity was also associated with a post-surgery complication known as post-operative reflux. However, other factors like the horse’s age, duration of colic, length of the area removed during surgery, and survival rate did not show any relation to the gene activity. The study results are preliminary and are limited by the small number of samples and variations among the colic cases.

FAQs

  1. What was the main purpose of this study on horses that underwent colic surgery?
  2. What was the relationship found between gene activity related to inflammation and post-operative reflux in horses?
  3. How did factors like the horse’s age, duration of colic, and length of the area removed during surgery relate to gene activity according to this study?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about intestinal resection is to follow a strict post-operative care plan to prevent complications such as inflammation. This may include taking prescribed medications, following a specific diet, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. It is important to communicate any changes or concerns to your healthcare provider promptly.

Suitable For

Intestinal resection is typically recommended for patients with conditions such as:

  1. Intestinal obstruction: This occurs when there is a blockage in the intestines, preventing the passage of food and fluids.

  2. Intestinal perforation: This is a serious condition where there is a hole or tear in the intestinal wall, leading to leakage of intestinal contents into the abdominal cavity.

  3. Intestinal tumors: Benign or malignant tumors in the intestines may require surgical removal.

  4. Inflammatory bowel disease: Conditions such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis can cause inflammation and damage to the intestines, sometimes necessitating resection.

  5. Intestinal ischemia: This occurs when there is reduced blood flow to the intestines, leading to tissue damage and potential need for resection.

  6. Diverticulitis: Inflammation or infection of small pouches in the intestines called diverticula may require surgical removal of the affected portion.

It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if intestinal resection is the appropriate treatment option for a specific patient’s condition.

Timeline

Before intestinal resection:

  • Patient experiences symptoms of intestinal issues such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.
  • Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as blood tests, imaging studies, and colonoscopy to determine the cause of the symptoms.
  • Based on the results of the diagnostic tests, the patient is recommended to undergo intestinal resection surgery to remove a portion of the intestine that is diseased or damaged.

After intestinal resection:

  • Patient undergoes the surgical procedure to remove the diseased portion of the intestine.
  • Patient is closely monitored in the recovery room for any post-operative complications such as infection, bleeding, or bowel obstruction.
  • Patient is started on a liquid diet and gradually progresses to a regular diet as tolerated.
  • Patient may experience temporary changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation, as the remaining intestine adapts to its new function.
  • Patient is followed up with regular appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor their recovery and address any concerns or complications that may arise.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is intestinal resection surgery and why is it necessary in my case?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with intestinal resection surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period after intestinal resection surgery?
  4. Will I need to make any changes to my diet or lifestyle after the surgery?
  5. Are there any long-term effects or complications that I should be aware of?
  6. How often will I need follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  7. What symptoms should I watch out for that may indicate a problem with the surgery or my recovery?
  8. Are there any alternative treatments or options to consider before proceeding with intestinal resection surgery?
  9. Can you explain the findings of this study on intestinal inflammation in horses that underwent colic surgery and how it relates to my own situation?
  10. Is there anything specific I should know or do to reduce the risk of post-operative complications like post-operative reflux?

Reference

Authors: Lisowski ZM, Lefevre L, Mair TS, Clark EL, Hudson NPH, Hume DA, Pirie RS. Journal: Equine Vet J. 2022 Jan;54(1):52-62. doi: 10.1111/evj.13429. Epub 2021 Mar 10. PMID: 33524178