Prospective evaluation of two intracorporeally sutured prophylactic laparoscopic gastropexy techniques compared with laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy in dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To report technique, surgical time, complication rate, and postoperative activity in dogs undergoing 2 intracorporeally-sutured total laparoscopic gastropexy (TLG) techniques compared with a laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy (LAG) technique.


METHODS
Randomized clinical trial.


METHODS
Dogs (n=30) weighing >25 kg.


METHODS
Dogs were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups. Two TLG techniques were performed using a median 3 portal technique. One of 2 suturing techniques was used to approximate corresponding incisions made in the stomach and body wall; using intracorporeal hand-suturing or a suture-assist device (Endostitch). In a 3rd group, a previously reported LAG technique was used. All dogs had an activity monitor placed for 7 days pre- and postoperatively. Linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association of surgical procedure on gastropexy time and the percentage change in activity counts.


RESULTS
Median gastropexy time was 28 minutes (range, 20-41 minutes) for LAG, 48 minutes (range, 39-61 minutes) for the hand suture TLG technique, and 56 minutes (range, 30-90 minutes) for the Endostitch TLG technique. LAG was performed faster than TLG (P<.05). LAG dogs had a greater decrease in postoperative activity than TLG dogs (P=.005); however there was no difference in surgical time or postoperative activity between TLG techniques.


CONCLUSIONS
TLG can be performed safely and effectively in dogs and although it takes longer, it has less impact on postoperative activity compared with LAG.


CONCLUSIONS
TLG techniques may have advantages over LAG as measured by a greater willingness of dogs to move around postoperatively.
Mayhew
Philipp D
PD
Department of Clinical Studies, Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. philmayhew@gmail.com
Brown
Dorothy Cimino
DC
D000818:Animals; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D013271:Gastric Dilatation / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D013277:Stomach Volvulus / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D016896:Treatment Outcome