Mortality rate comparison of enterotomy and resection and anastomosis (enterectomy) in dogs with foreign-body obstructions

Abstract

PICO question In dogs with gastrointestinal foreign-body obstruction undergoing surgical correction, is the mortality rate in the perioperative period for those receiving resection and anastomosis higher, lower, or equivalent to those receiving an enterotomy?   Clinical bottom line Category of research question Outcome The number and type of study designs reviewed Four retrospective studies were reviewed Strength of evidence Weak Outcomes reported It would appear that the mortality rate for resection and anastomosis for the purpose of foreign-body removal is higher than that of enterotomies performed for the same reason Conclusion There is insufficient evidence directly comparing enterotomies with resection and anastomoses in foreign-body obstructions to definitively state that the mortality rate is higher among resection and anastomosis procedures   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.