Anatomy of the vestibule of the omental bursa and epiploic foramen in the horse. (3rd April 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Freeman, D. E.; Pearn, A. R.
• Is Part Of: Equine veterinary journal. Volume 47:Number 1(2015:Jan.)
• Page Start: 83
• Page End: 90
• Publication Date: 2014-04-03
• Subjects: Horses -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 636.108905
• DOI: 10.1111/evj.12232
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0425-1644

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Summary</title> <sec id="evj12232-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Reasons for performing study</title> <p>Epiploic foramen entrapment (EFE) is a common cause of colic in horses and available anatomical descriptions of this foramen and the associated vestibule of the omental bursa tend to be inconsistent, contradictory and inaccurate.</p> </sec> <sec id="evj12232-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Objectives</title> <p>To describe the anatomy of the vestibule of the omental bursa and epiploic foramen.</p> </sec> <sec id="evj12232-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Study design</title> <p>Dissection of 21 fresh equine cadavers shortly after euthanasia.</p> </sec> <sec id="evj12232-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>The anatomy of the vestibule of the omental bursa, epiploic foramen and related structures in the cranial abdomen were examined <italic>in situ</italic> and after removal from the abdomen. Photographs were taken and illustrations rendered to bring the relationship of the different folds, ligaments and organs involved into a 3D concept.</p> </sec> <sec id="evj12232-sec-0005" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>The entrance into the vestibule and the passageway through it to the epiploic foramen is bounded by the gastropancreatic fold dorsally, caudally and ventrally. This fold constitutes the caudoventral boundary of the epiploic foramen along with the portal vein cranially and ventrally. The craniodorsal boundary of the epiploic foramen is formed by the caudate lobe of the liver.</p> </sec> <sec id="evj12232-sec-0006" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>The gastropancreatic fold plays a more important role in the anatomy of the vestibule of the omental bursa and the epiploic foramen than has been documented in the most widely used anatomy textbooks written in English. Because of the importance of EFE in horses, information from this study about the relevant anatomy could provide a first step towards improved methods for treatment and laparoscopic prevention of these diseases.</p> </sec> </abstract>