SURGERY OF THE SMALL-INTESTINE

Although earlier reports describe a poor prognosis for small Intestina l surgery in the horse, there is growing evidence that the short-term survival rate can exceed 80%. In addition to advancements in surgery c urd aftercare, early referral contributes considerably to the improved prognosis. Surgical procedures that restore anatomic and physiologic continuity to close to normal can minimize postoperative complications . Jejunojejunostomy carries a better prognosis than jejunocecostomy, p robably because the latter involves anastomosis between two intestinal segments with dissimilar functions. Careful technique can reduce the prevalence of complications, such as postoperative ileus and serosal a dhesions.