| Trocarization is useful to decompress the abdomen when abdominal compartment syndrome is present (severe distention associated with pain and dyspnea). Trocarization should be performed only for large colon distention, never to decompress the small intestine. Thus, it is important to identify the segment of intestine that is involved prior to the procedure. In adult horses, this can be done by rectal palpation. In foals or small horses, radiographs and/or ultrasonography can be
used. The distended segment of large colon must also be close to the body wall so it can be safely reached. The most common site for trocarization is the right upper flank area, just cranial to the greater trochanter at the location of the cecal base. After decompression, the trocar is removed, and an antibiotic (usually gentamicin) is infused as the catheter is withdrawn. |
| Peritonitis and local abscessation are the 2 most common problems encountered after trocarization. The horse is observed for 24 hr for signs of peritonitis. Peritonitis is confirmed with abdominocentesis, and systemic broad-spectrum antibiotics are administered until it is resolved. A local abscess can be drained externally. |
