Equine thoracoscopy: normal anatomy and surgical technique

Citation
Jf. Peroni et al., Equine thoracoscopy: normal anatomy and surgical technique, EQUINE V J, 33(3), 2001, pp. 231-237
Citations number
10
Categorie Soggetti
Veterinary Medicine/Animal Health
Journal title
EQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL
ISSN journal
04251644 → ACNP
Volume
33
Issue
3
Year of publication
2001
Pages
231 - 237
Database
ISI
SICI code
0425-1644(200105)33:3<231:ETNAAS>2.0.ZU;2-C
Abstract
Six normal, healthy horses age 3-10 years underwent left and right thoracos copic examination using a rigid telescope. A minimum of 30 days was allowed between procedures. Horses were restrained in stocks and sedated with a co ntinuous detomidine infusion. After surgical preparation of the hemithorax elected for surgery, and administration of local or regional anaesthesia of the surgery sites, thoracoscopy was completed during two 15 min pneumothor ax periods. During the procedures, the thoracic structures were viewed usin g a 57 cm, 10 mm diameter, 30 degrees rigid telescope connected to a digita l camcorder to allow computer capture of digital images. The telescope was inserted into the thoracic cavity via 3 different intercostal spaces. The 8 th, 10th and 12th intercostal spaces were randomly selected and used among horses. The exploration of each hemithorax started from the dorsal-caudal q uadrant continued toward the cranial thorax and was completed by observing the diaphragmatic and caudal pulmonary region. Collapsed lung, aorta, oesophagus and diaphragm were viewed readily in eith er hemithorax. On exploration of the right hemithorax, the azygos vein, tho racic duct and pulmonary veins were also identified. Horses tolerated thora coscopy well. Signs of discomfort, such as increased respiratory rate, coug hing and decreased level of sedation, were associated with lung collapse in one horse, with pneumothorax on 2 occasions, and when the thorax was appro ached through the 8th intercostal space. Surgery performed via the 8th inte rcostal space was hindered by the rigidity of the 8th and 9th ribs, and by the presence of a greater musculature, which did not allow easy cranial and caudal movements of the telescope.