Anatomy of the vestibule of the omental bursa and epiploic foramen in the horse

Abstract

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.

A topographic anatomical study of the equine epiploic foramen and comparison with laparoscopic visualisation

“…At some point in this process the greater omentum ruptures. It has been previously suggested that the difference in size of the 2 openings of the omental vestibule could explain the higher prevalence of left-to-right EFE [3,8,9]. The central connective tissue core within the hepatoduodenal ligament is probably responsible for the rigidity of the epiploic foramen and confirms the ligamentous specialisation of this omental structure.…”

“…The ventral aspect of the omental vestibule has been poorly defined so far in the literature. The plica gastropancreaticoduodenalis [9], which has not been previously referenced in some anatomical works [4][5][6][7] and the gastropancreatic fold [3,8] have been reported as ventral boundaries of the omental vestibule. The gastropancreatic fold, however, is defined as a fold of the wall of the omental bursa containing the left gastric vessels [4].…”

“…The lack of understanding of the 3-dimensional (3D) anatomy of this structure, specifically relating to the laparoscopic anatomy, is an impediment for development of surgical techniques which could be used to prevent EFE [3].…”

Laparoscopic Evaluation of the Epiploic Foramen after Celiotomy for Epiploic Foramen Entrapment in the Horse

“…The omental vestibule is funnel shaped with 2 openings, a smaller one on the right side of the median plane, which is the epiploic foramen, and a larger one on the left side, which is the opening from the omental vestibule to the caudal recess of the omental bursa . It has been suggested that the funnel‐like configuration could be the reason for the predominant left‐to‐right epiploic foramen entrapment occurrence . Increased intra‐abdominal pressure during cribbing could be the reason for herniation through this structure in horses that crib …”

“…It has been suggested that the funnel‐like configuration could be the reason for the predominant left‐to‐right epiploic foramen entrapment occurrence . Increased intra‐abdominal pressure during cribbing could be the reason for herniation through this structure in horses that crib …”