Our Summary

The research investigated the role of certain type of cells, called intestinal epithelial stem cells (ISC), in the healing process of injured intestines, specifically in cases of small intestinal strangulation (SIS) in horses. SIS is a serious condition where a part of the intestine gets twisted, causing a blockage.

The scientists examined sections of the intestines removed during surgery from adult horses that had SIS, as well as from horses that were put down for reasons not related to intestinal issues. They looked specifically at the presence of ISC and another type of cell, Ki67, which are both involved in tissue repair and regeneration.

They found that there were fewer Ki67 cells in the sections of intestines from horses that had to be put down after surgery compared to the control group. In addition, an increase in a specific combination of cells (SOX9 and Ki67) was associated with a decrease in pre-surgery risk factors that were negatively related to the outcome.

In simpler terms, the number and type of these cells could potentially be linked to how well a horse might recover from SIS. However, the researchers highlight that their study was limited by a small sample size and further research is needed to confirm their findings.

FAQs

  1. What are intestinal epithelial stem cells (ISC) and how do they relate to the healing of injured intestines?
  2. What is the significance of the Ki67 cells and the SOX9 cells in relation to small intestinal strangulation in horses?
  3. What were the limitations of the study conducted on the healing process of intestines in horses?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about intestinal resection is to follow post-operative care instructions closely to promote proper healing and reduce the risk of complications. This may include taking prescribed medications, eating a healthy diet, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments with healthcare providers. It’s important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare team to ensure the best possible outcome.

Suitable For

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

  • Intestinal obstruction: When there is a blockage in the intestine that cannot be resolved with other treatments, surgery may be necessary to remove the blockage.
  • Intestinal perforation: If there is a hole or tear in the intestine, surgery may be needed to repair the damage and remove any damaged tissue.
  • Intestinal tumors: In cases of intestinal cancer or other tumors, surgery may be necessary to remove the tumor and any affected parts of the intestine.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease: In severe cases of inflammatory bowel disease, surgery may be recommended to remove damaged sections of the intestine.
  • Intestinal trauma: In cases of severe injury to the intestine, surgery may be necessary to repair the damage and remove any affected tissue.

Overall, intestinal resection may be recommended for patients who have a serious condition affecting their intestines that cannot be treated with other methods.

Timeline

Before intestinal resection:

  • Patient experiences symptoms of small intestinal strangulation (SIS) such as abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, and inability to pass stool or gas.
  • Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans) and blood tests to confirm the diagnosis of SIS.
  • Surgery is recommended to remove the twisted part of the intestine and restore normal flow of contents.
  • Intestinal resection surgery is performed to remove the affected portion of the intestine and reattach the healthy segments.

After intestinal resection:

  • Patient undergoes post-operative care including pain management, monitoring for signs of infection, and gradual reintroduction of food and fluids.
  • Patient may experience temporary side effects such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and changes in bowel habits.
  • Over time, the remaining intestine adapts to compensate for the loss of the removed segment, leading to functional recovery.
  • Patient undergoes follow-up appointments with healthcare providers to monitor healing, prevent complications, and adjust treatment as needed.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is intestinal resection and why is it necessary in cases of small intestinal strangulation?

  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with intestinal resection surgery?

  3. How long is the recovery period after intestinal resection surgery?

  4. What dietary changes or restrictions will I need to follow after intestinal resection surgery?

  5. Are there any long-term effects of intestinal resection that I should be aware of?

  6. How will my quality of life be impacted after intestinal resection surgery?

  7. Are there any alternative treatments to intestinal resection that I should consider?

  8. What follow-up care will be needed after intestinal resection surgery?

  9. Are there any specific signs or symptoms I should watch out for after surgery that may indicate complications?

  10. Can you explain the role of intestinal epithelial stem cells in the healing process of injured intestines, and how it may relate to my specific case of intestinal resection?

Reference

Authors: Veerasammy B, Gonzalez G, Báez-Ramos P, Schaaf CR, Stewart AS, Ludwig EK, McKinney-Aguirre C, Freund J, Robertson J, Gonzalez LM. Journal: Equine Vet J. 2023 Nov;55(6):995-1002. doi: 10.1111/evj.13927. Epub 2023 Feb 9. PMID: 36716291