Salpingopharyngeus fistula by means of videosurgery to treat horse bilateral gutural pouch chronic empyema – a case study

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to report the Salpingopharyngeus fistula technique by means of videosurgery through a natural orifice (NOTES) in order to treat bilateral empyema. A mare was seen at the Large Animal Sector of UFPR, with a history of bilateral purulent nasal discharge associated with dysphagia lasting for ninety days. The animal was submitted to endoscopy, showing a moderate amount of purulent secretion in both guttural pouches. With no improvement on the clinical treatment, we opted for surgical treatment by endoscopy through Salpingopharyngeus fistula made with the aid of a device containing an electrical scalpel developed to perform this technique. It consisted of making an incision in the pharyngeal recess in order to access the guttural pouches and subsequently drain the purulent content. The patient was discharged at the same day and returned to work 30 days after the procedure. Surgical treatment for cases of guttural pouch empyema is indicated when the clinical resolution has not been effective, and the minimally invasive technique is indicated due to the reduction of risks and the easiness of postoperative management. Until this moment, there are no reports of the salpingopharyngeal fistula technique through video surgery for the treatment of guttural pouch empyema, which has proved to be efficient for the treatment of the disease.