Abdominal Exploratory Surgery

Question 1

The use of sedatives and tranquilizers may cause the animal to go down. Why would this be non-ideal and why are standing procedures better for ruminants?

Answer 1

• If laid down, they cannot eructate, which is super important for ruminants.
• if laid down, they can develop compartment syndrome
• if laid down, they can develop nerve damage

Question 2

After clipping the hair, describe the scrub surgical prep for an abdominal exploratory.

Answer 2

1. scrub with dish soap in no specific pattern – rids debris and hair
2. apply iodine in a linear up and down pattern over the intended incision area. repeat x3
3. wipe with alcohol wipes from top to bottom over incision area. turn gauze over and repeat top to bottom laterally; get new gauze repeat on opposite side.

Question 3

what does the paralumbar fossa local block anesthetize?

Answer 3

last thoracic, 1st, and 2nd lumbar nerves. (T13, L1, L2)

Question 4

Which blocks is described below:

using 1.5-2 inch needle, 20 mL of lidocaine is injected above and below the tip of the transverse process of L1, L2, and L4

Answer 4

distal paravertebral block

Question 5

Which blocks is described below:

Using 1.5-2 inch needle, 20 mL of lidocaine is injected just caudal to the last rib and under the transverse process of lumbar vertebrae.

Answer 5

inverted L PLF block (left)
or
7 PLF block (right)

Question 6

When performing an abdominal exploratory, what order should you examine the abdomen?

Answer 6

caudal abdomen FIRST, then cranial abdomen

Question 7

what types of surgeries are done on the RIGHT side? (2 general)

Answer 7

intestinal surgeries
cecal surgeries

Question 8

what types of surgeries are performed from the LEFT side? (2 general)

Answer 8

1. rumenotomy
2. c-section

Question 9

For a L or R paralumbar ceoliotomy, where do you make your incision?

Answer 9

in the CENTER of the PLF, 6-8 cm BELOW the transverse processes and 4-6 cm CAUDAL to the last rib.
You should go through skin, EAO, IAO, TA, and peritoneum

Question 9

What surgical approach is taken for abomasal displacement?

Answer 9

right paramedian celiotomy

Question 10

Which of the following statements about a right paramedian celiotomy is FALSE?
A. cow is placed on her back
B. incision is made 4-6 cm lateral to midline and 6-8 cm caudal to xiphoid
C. the incision is 10 cm long
D. you penetrate skin, external sheath of RA, RA muscle, and internal sheath of RA

Answer 10

C. the incision is 10 cm long

the incision is 15-20 cm

Question 11

which approaches are used for c-sections?

Answer 11

1. ventrolateral celiotomy
2. ventral midline celiotomy
3. left oblique celiotomy

Question 12

T/F: the incision for a ventrolateral celiotomy is lateral to the milk vein and extends dorsally

Answer 12

true

Question 13

what layers do you need to go through when performing a ventral midline celiotomy in pigs and horses?

Answer 13

skin and linea alba

Question 14

what can be felt in an exploratory surgery done with a right paralumbar approach?

Answer 14

1. caudal abdomen
2. reproductive tract
3. bladder
4. left kidney
5. descending colon
6. once behind omental sling – rumen and spleen
7. reticulum
8. omasum (caudal and medial to reticulum, head of cabbage)
9. liver (right lobe, rounded)
10. abomasum (fluid consistency at body, feel rugae, doughy at pyloric region)
11. duodenum (leaves pylorus going toward liver)
12. right kidney (under last 2 ribs dorsally
13. pull omental sling forward and feel cecum (near pelvic inlet), spiral colon, ileum, jejunum, rectum, and descending colon