SURGICAL-TREATMENT OF RECTAL TEARS IN THE HORSE

There is a greater risk of iatrogenic trauma to the rectum during an examination for colic than for a gynaecological examination. Rectal tears are divided into three categories: In type I rectal tears, only the mucosa and submucosa are involved. Type II injuries include the muscularis as well as the mucosa and submucosa, while in a type III injury the peritoneum is also damaged and the abdominal cavity is therefore open. Tears of types II and III require surgical repair. Different procedures are described in the literature, which are in part rather complicated. The results achieved are less than satisfactory. This publication describes a technique by which a tear may be repaired immediately with a high likelihood of healing, and which can be used in general practice. A modified, 45 cm long Deschamp's needle which may be left- or right-handed, is employed. The needle is used to insert simple interrupted sutures under epidural anaesthesia, with an intraluminal wound ridge. The needle is also useful for the closure of vaginal and uterine tears and for mesenteric tears in the abdominal cavity. The surgical results of this technique over 5 years in the Tierklinik Hochmoor are described.