Less Common
Related Observations
This treatment might be used for a horse exhibiting these signs.
Treatment
A way to improve or resolve a condition or diagnosis. This might include resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment).
Cost: Under $100
These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.
YOUR VET MAY Recommend
Stent Bandage, Post-Colic Surgery
Cost: Under $100
These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.
Summary
Infection of the abdominal wall incision is one of the more common complications following colic surgery. Anything that can be done to reduce the infection rate is therefore desirable.
A post-operative stent bandage is a sterile protective dressing sutured over the abdominal incision immediately after closure of the abdomen at surgery. There is no other practical way to secure a dressing here other than to suture it to the skin.
A stent bandage protects the abdominal incision and reduces post-operative infection rates by protecting the incision from contaminants during recovery. It may also reduce swelling and tension on the suture line.
Stent bandages are often only left over the surgical incision for 1-3 days, and then removed.
We have had very good success using stent bandages in our practice. We feel that it has reduced our rate of incisional problems in our colic surgery patients. We use stent bandages in a variety of other situations where it is otherwise impossible to secure a bandage.
A post-operative stent bandage is a sterile protective dressing sutured over the abdominal incision immediately after closure of the abdomen at surgery. There is no other practical way to secure a dressing here other than to suture it to the skin.
A stent bandage protects the abdominal incision and reduces post-operative infection rates by protecting the incision from contaminants during recovery. It may also reduce swelling and tension on the suture line.
Stent bandages are often only left over the surgical incision for 1-3 days, and then removed.
We have had very good success using stent bandages in our practice. We feel that it has reduced our rate of incisional problems in our colic surgery patients. We use stent bandages in a variety of other situations where it is otherwise impossible to secure a bandage.
my vet's role
Related Diagnoses
This treatment might be used to treat these conditions or ailments.
Know Related Treatments
Your vet considers other treatments that might be used along with or instead of this treatment.
CONSIDER POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS & COMPLICATIONS
There are few complications or side effects of proper stent bandage placement. In some cases, bandages are damaged during recovery and must be removed or replaced.CONSIDER REASONS NOT TO USE THIS TREATMENT
your role
Related Skills
These are skills you might need if your horse is getting this treatment.
Very Common
Is it working? Timeframe for effect.
If incisional infections occurs, it typically happens between 2 days and 2 weeks post-operatively.Usually a patient develops a fever and worsened attitude and appetite, along with increasing swelling of the surgery site. Ultimately, drainage begins. Once the infection is open and draining, the horse usually feels better and fever disappears.
Unfortunately, drainage can last for weeks. In some cases, infection may weaken the structure of the repair and increase hernia formation. Lack of swelling or drainage usually indicates a properly healing abdominal incision.
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health
Related References:
Tnibar A, Grubbe Lin K, et al. Effect of a Stent Bandage on the Likelihood of Incisional Infection After Exploratory Celiotomy for Colic in Horses: A Comparative, Retrospective Study. AAEP Proceedings 2012;201:493.