A practical review of small intestinal anastomosis for the small animal practitioner

Dehiscence following intestinal surgery results in significant patient morbidity and mortality. Thorough knowledge and application of modern evidence-based principles relating to the procedures of enterotomy and enterectomy with anastomosis can significantly reduce the risk of postoperative complications in small animals. This article will review some of the potential causes of intestinal dehiscence and reflect on best practice surgical principles, highlighting particularly important key learning objectives to improve outcome.