Jejunocecostomy in horses-a review of its unique complexities.

JC remains valid for indicated cases; negative perceptions lack recent evidence support.

Jejunocecostomy (JC) represents a controversial yet necessary surgical procedure in equine medicine, serving as the only viable option for resection and anastomosis in approximately one-third of small intestinal strangulating lesions in horses. Despite critics citing low survival rates and high complication frequencies, recent research and clinical evidence support its judicious use. The procedure's complexity exceeds that of most other equine small intestinal anastomoses, necessitating thorough understanding of technical considerations and potential pitfalls. Negative perceptions regarding JC outcomes are not substantiated by contemporary literature, and when owner finances and disease severity warrant intervention, JC represents a valid treatment option when ileal ischemic changes necessitate bypass. The authors emphasize that various surgical techniques exist for performing JC, and when applied with awareness of associated complexities, all methods can achieve favorable outcomes. Concerns about poor prognosis should not lead clinicians to perform inappropriate alternative anastomoses or recommend euthanasia when JC is indicated.

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