Morbidity associated with abdominocentesis — a prospective study

Abstract

SummaryAbdominocentesis is performed routinely in the assessment of the equine colic patient; however, the incidence of complications from this procedure has not been firmly established. Specific information was solicited from cases at the University of Florida Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (UFVMTH) whenever abdominocentesis was performed: 1) person performing tap (student, resident or faculty); 2) instrument used; 3) site and number of taps performed and 4) characteristics of fluid obtained (if any). Clinical records were reviewed to determine antibiotic usage, clinical or surgical diagnosis and evidence of bowel or body wall damage subsequent to abdominocentesis. Enterocentesis occurred in 7 cases of 124 (representing 188 abdominocentesis attempts) and resulted in peritonitis in 2 horses and abdominal wall cellulitis in one. All 7 were found to have distended bowel at the time of abdominocentesis on the basis of rectal palpation or surgery performed immediately after abdominocentesis. The peritonitis in 2 horses was resolved with antibiotic therapy (penicillin and gentamycin) as was the abdominal wall cellulitis following both broad spectrum antibiotic usage and local hydrotherapy. No greater risk of enterocentesis was associated with students. Use of needles vs teat cannulas resulted in a very slightly greater rate of enterocentesis (5.7% vs 3.1%) (no significant difference). We conclude that there is a slight risk for abdominocentesis in horses with distended bowel.