Surgical correction of nephrosplenic entrapment of the large colon in 3 horses via standing left flank laparotomy.

Objective: To describe a technique for surgical correction of nephrosplenic entrapment via standing left flank laparotomy.
Study Design: Case series.
Animals: Horses (n = 3).
Methods: Nephrosplenic entrapment was diagnosed by abdominal palpation per rectum in all 3 horses and confirmed by transabdominal ultrasonography in 2 horses. Duration of colic was variable and failed to resolve after medical management, phenylephrine administration, and jogging. With sedation and local analgesia, standing left flank laparotomy using a modified grid approach was performed to correct the entrapment. Follow-up information was obtained by telephone communication with trainers or owners.
Results: Nephrosplenic entrapment was successfully corrected in all horses; postoperative fever occurred in 1 horse. Horses were discharged after 48-72 hours and returned to previous use within 30 days.
Conclusion: Standing flank laparotomy is an alternative for horses with nephrosplenic entrapment unresponsive to medical therapy when general anesthesia and exploratory celiotomy are not an option because of financial constraints or a high anesthetic risk. This approach leads to a favorable outcome, reduces hospital stay and associated costs and leads to a rapid return to function.
(© Copyright 2014 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.)