Incidence of Nephrosplenic Entrapment Colic and Laparoscopic Closure of the Nephrosplenic Space in the Standing Horse

Laparoscopic ablation of the nephrosplenic space should be considered in horses that are predisposed to recurrent LDDLC (left dorsal displacement of the left colon) with entrapment into the nephrosplenic space. Rocken et al, Vet Surg. 2005 NovDec;34(6):637, reviewed the medical records of 4,852 horses treated for colic over 16 years to establish the incidence of LDDLC and recurrence after treatment. Review of his medical records revealed an incidence of LDDLC of 6% and recurrence of 21% in a population of horses with signs of colic. Other authors reported recurrence rates from 7.5 % to 8% (Baird et al, JAVMA 1991, Hardy et al, EVJ supplement 2000).
Our hospital policy at the moment is to treat the nephrosplenic entrapments (LDDLC) with phenylephrine hydrochloride infusion. Surgical treatment is only performed if the left colon is very gas distended and the horse suffers from a lot of abdominal pain. Laparoscopic closure of the nephrosplenic space is not performed standard after a first LDDLC but owners are informed of this type of surgery in case of a recurrent colic due to nephrosplenic entrapment. Up to this day, we only operated horses, which suffered from a recurrence of the LDDLC. […]