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February 19, 2026Open Access

Short- and Long-Term Outcomes in Horses Following Laparoscopic Nephrosplenic Space Ablation

ACAnna CerulloIstituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte Liguria e Valle d'Aosta NSNicola ScilimatiUniversity of Parma MNMatteo Riccardo Di NicolaIstituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte Liguria e Valle d'Aosta

Key Points

The study aims to evaluate both short- and long-term outcomes following laparoscopic nephrosplenic space ablation in horses with history of left dorsal displacement of the large colon.
Retrospective analysis of 48 horses undergoing laparoscopic NSS ablation
Assessment of short-term outcomes like postoperative complications and discharge status
Collection of long-term follow-up data through owner questionnaires
Analysis of survival rates, recurrence of colic, and owner satisfaction over time
91.7% of horses discharged without immediate postoperative complications
83.3% one-year post-discharge survival rate estimated via Kaplan–Meier analysis
70.8% of horses returned to preoperative athletic or breeding activity
31.2% reported post-discharge complications, primarily recurrent colic
Owner satisfaction was high at 83.3%

Abstract

Left dorsal displacement of the large colon (LDDLC) is a common cause of colic in horses and it is frequently associated with recurrent episodes, with significant implications for horse management, athletic performance, and owner satisfaction. Laparoscopic nephrosplenic space (NSS) ablation is a preventive surgical technique aimed at reducing recurrence in horses with a history of medically or surgically treated LDDLC. This retrospective study evaluated 48 horses that underwent laparoscopic NSS ablation in two Italian Veterinary Teaching Hospitals between 2016 and 2024. Short-term outcomes, including immediate postoperative complications and discharge status, were assessed. Long-term follow-up data were collected via owner questionnaires, focusing on survival, recurrence of colic, post-surgical complications, return to athletic or breeding activity, and owner satisfaction. Most horses were discharged without complications (91.7%), while postoperative colic occurred in 8.3%. Kaplan–Meier estimated one-year post-discharge survival was 83.3%, and 81.3% of horses were alive at last follow-up (range 0.7 months to 8.8 years). Post-discharge complications were reported in 31.2% of horses, most commonly recurrent LDDLC. Return to preoperative athletic or breeding activity was reported in 70.8% of cases, and owner satisfaction was high (83.3%). Time-to-event analysis indicated markedly reduced survival in horses requiring laparotomy during follow-up. Bayesian logistic models suggested lower mortality and fewer post-discharge complications in horses with prior colic surgery, whereas a history of recurrent colic and laparotomy during follow-up was associated with higher mortality and complications. These results indicate that laparoscopic NSS ablation is an effective and safe procedure for long-term management of horses at risk of LDDLC, allowing a high rate of survival, functional recovery, and owner satisfaction, despite the persistence of occasional colic episodes.

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