In cats and dogs with traumatic diaphragmatic rupture, does surgical timing affect outcome?

Abstract

PICO question
 In cats and dogs with traumatic diaphragmatic rupture undergoing herniorrhaphy does surgical timing affect outcome?
 
 Clinical bottom line
 Category of research question
 Prognosis
 The number and type of study designs reviewed
 Ten studies were critically appraised. All of these were retrospective case series
 Strength of evidence
 Zero
 Outcomes reported
 Overall, there is not sufficient evidence reporting if timing of surgical intervention has an effect on the mortality rate in dogs and cats with traumatic diaphragmatic rupture. Mortality rate was 6.8–50% in all cases
 Conclusion
 There is no statistically significant information available with only several retrospective studies published that are a low quality of evidence. Clinical practice can be reviewed based upon current evidence assessing timing of herniorrhaphy of traumatic diaphragmatic rupture. However, there are no clear recommendations and future studies are warranted
 
 How to apply this evidence in practice
 The application of evidence into practice should take into account multiple factors, not limited to: individual clinical expertise, patient’s circumstances and owners’ values, country, location or clinic where you work, the individual case in front of you, the availability of therapies and resources.
 Knowledge Summaries are a resource to help reinforce or inform decision making. They do not override the responsibility or judgement of the practitioner to do what is best for the animal in their care.