How to perform a percutaneous cecal or colonic trocarization in horses with severe abdominal tympany.

The majority of colic episodes involving the large colon can be managed medically without surgical intervention. Auscultation and percussion of the paralumbar fossa area will solicit an audible "ping" (gas/fluid interface), thus targeting the appropriate site for trocarization. Percutaneous trocarization allows for rapid controlled decompression of colonic or cecal tympany, permitting improvement of both ventilation and perfusion. In situations where a displacement or primary colonic or cecal tympany is suspected, trocarisation is deemed successful if the horse has resolution of colic signs and the physical examination parameters return to normal. Trocarization may be clinically advantageous by requiring less pain medication, decreased time in the hospital, decreased costs, and avoidance of surgical intervention; yet, this therapy should not take place of surgical intervention if deemed necessary.