A modified teniotomy technique for facilitated removal of descending colon enteroliths in horses.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To describe a method for facilitating movement of enteroliths obstructing the proximal portion of the descending colon. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective report. SAMPLE POPULATION 15 horses. METHODS: A seromuscular incision through the antimesenteric taenia of the proximal portion of the descending colon was used to facilitate movement of enteroliths. RESULTS: Teniotomy allowed proximal descending colon enteroliths located within the abdomen or close to the abdominal wall to be advanced 4 to 15 cm in an aboral direction so that they could be exteriorized for safe removal. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Teniotomy is a feasible method for mobilizing enteroliths in the proximal descending colon in locations that cannot otherwise be exteriorized.