LAPAROSCOPIC REPAIR OF A BLADDER RUPTURE IN A FOAL

Ruptured bladder was diagnosed in a 90-day-old Thoroughbred colt that had suffered a open, comminuted tibial fracture 2 days earlier. The bl adder rupture was identified by laparoscopic examination of the abdome n and was repaired using a laparoscopic stapling instrument. This tech nique provided good visualization and allowed repair of the rupture wi th minimal intervention. Ten months after surgery, the foal was admitt ed to a referral surgical practice because of colic and stanguria. A u rinary calculus was removed from the penile urethra by urethrotomy. La paroscopic repair of the bladder with nonabsorbable staples may be con traindicated because of possible urolith formation. (C) Copyright 1995 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons