Evaluation of laparoscopic-assisted placement of jejunostomy feeding tubes in dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate feasibility of performing laparoscopic-assisted placement of a jejunostomy feeding tube (J-tube) and compare complications associated with placement, short-term feedings, and medium-term healing with surgically placed tubes in dogs.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
15 healthy mixed-breed dogs.


METHODS
Dogs were randomly allocated to undergo open surgical or laparoscopic-assisted J-tube placement. Required nutrients were administered by a combination of enteric and oral feeding while monitoring for complications. Radiographic contrast studies documented tube direction and location, altered motility, or evidence of stricture.


RESULTS
Jejunostomy tubes were successfully placed in the correct location and direction in all dogs. In the laparoscopic group, the ileum was initially selected in 2 dogs, 2 dogs developed moderate hemorrhage at a portal site, and 2 J-tubes kinked during placement but were successfully readjusted postoperatively. All dogs tolerated postoperative feedings. All dogs developed minor ostomy site inflammation, and 1 dog developed bile-induced dermatitis at the ostomy site. Despite mild, transient neutrophilia, no significant difference was noted in WBC counts between groups. No dog had altered gastric motility or evidence of stricture, although the jejunopexy site remained identifiable in several dogs at 30 days.


CONCLUSIONS
Requirements for successful J-tube placement were met by use of a laparoscopic-assisted technique, and postoperative complications were mild and comparable to those seen with surgical placement. Laparoscopic-assisted J-tube placement compares favorably to surgical placement in healthy dogs and should be considered as an option for dogs requiring enterostomy feeding but not requiring a celiotomy for other reasons.
Hewitt
Saundra A
SA
Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
Brisson
Brigitte A
BA
Sinclair
Melissa D
MD
Foster
Robert A
RA
Swayne
Seanna-Lynn
SL
D000818:Animals; D004285:Dogs / Q000601:surgery*; D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D007582:Jejunostomy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D007583:Jejunum / Q000601:surgery*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011897:Random Allocation