OBJECTIVE To determine if computed tomographic (CT) scanning can be used to identify patients with blunt trauma, positive results of diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL), and a stable hemodynamic status who could be managed safely and cost-effectively without celiotomy. DESIGN Patients with blunt trauma who required an abdominal evaluation underwent DPL. Patients with a red blood cell count gre...

The use of a bioresorbable, hyaluronate membrane during exploratory celiotomy in horses minimizes postoperative intra-abdominal adhesion formation. In horses at an increased risk of intra-abdominal adhesion formation, the application of hyaluronate membranes during exploratory celiotomy may reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with abdominal surgery. Authors’ address: Depts. of Patholo...

BACKGROUND In horses undergoing celiotomy for acute gastrointestinal pain, identification of variables correlating with lesion severity and location, and survival provide veterinarians and owners with information that aids in making informed decisions regarding appropriate treatment. Muscle enzyme activity is often increased in horses undergoing celiotomy for acute gastrointestinal pain and it ...

conclusions a high index of suspicion is essential for early detection of ddr and dddr. patients with high impact injuries or surrounding organ damage should be followed with serial clinical examinations, follow-up radiologic assessments, and even re-exploration in situations highly suspicious for diaphragmatic injuries. introduction diaphragmatic rupture (dr) is an uncommon, potentially seriou...

Postoperative abdominal fluid changes were compared in 2 groups of horses; those undergoing double small-colon resection and anastomosis (n = 10) and those undergoing exploratory celiotomy alone (n = 5). Peritoneal fluid was collected before surgery and on postoperative days 1, 3, 5, and 7. Total and differential nucleated cell counts, RBC numbers, and total protein and fibrinogen concentration...

Intraperitoneal sepsis is difficult to diagnose in thermally injured patients. We reviewed the use of diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) in burn patients suspected of having intraperitoneal infection. Seventeen patients were identified in whom celiotomy, autopsy, or complete recovery could be used to validate the lavage results. A lavage was considered positive if there were greater than 500 wh...