Dietary approaches pre-operative to laparoscopic surgery

A common complication in laparoscopic surgery is the bowel puncture. To decrease this risk, gas in the hindgut and ingesta distension of the bowel need to be minimized. Besides this, optimization of the view on the organs is why horses need to be fastened pre-surgery. There is a big variety in recommended fasting times between different kinds of laparoscopic surgery or diagnosis. Table 1 summarizes data reported from different studies.

Earlier research found that the retention time for hay (26.0 hours) was significantly shorter than for oat (26.7 hours), barley (26.4 hours) or wheat (26.5 hours). Fiber rich diets spread in 5 portions a day had the shortest retention time (5.6 hours). The longest retention time was for the high-starch diet spread in 3 meals (7.0 hours). Retention time in processed food is quick just as in highly fermentable carbohydrates (sugars) and proteins, for example young grasses or hays, however this also relates to big amounts of gas produce.

In conclusion multiple factors need to be take into consideration to develop a feeding approach. The following suggestions are given to lower the fasting time and decrease gas production:

• Feed small portions of stem-rich long hay (preferably first cut) in two-hour intervals until 26 hours pre-surgery.
• Supplementing oil to the hay in small portions.
• Start the diet changes one to two weeks pre-surgery, to avoid digestive upset.

> Q. Zebeli et al. / Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 35 (2015) 701–708. All rights reserved to 2015 Elsevier Inc. Click here for the full article