Evaluation of short- and long-term complications after endoscopically assisted gastropexy in dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To determine short- and long-term complications in clinically normal dogs after endoscopically assisted gastropexy.


METHODS
Prospective case series.


METHODS
24 dogs.


METHODS
Endoscopically assisted gastropexy was performed on each dog. Dogs were evaluated laparoscopically at 1 or 6 months after surgery to assess integrity of the gastropexy. Long-term outcome was determined via telephone conversations conducted with owners > or = 1 year after surgery.


RESULTS
Mean +/- SD gastropexy length was 4.5 +/- 0.9 cm, and mean duration of surgery was 22 +/- 5 minutes. One dog had a partially rotated stomach at the time of insufflation, which was corrected by untwisting the stomach with Babcock forceps. Two dogs vomited within 4 weeks after surgery, but the vomiting resolved in both dogs. Four dogs had diarrhea within 4 weeks after surgery, which resolved without medical intervention. In all dogs, the gastropexy site was firmly adhered to the abdominal wall at the level of the pyloric antrum. Long-term follow-up information was available for 23 dogs, none of which had any episodes of gastric dilatation-volvulus a mean of 1.4 years after gastropexy.


CONCLUSIONS
Endoscopically assisted gastropexy can be a simple, fast, safe, and reliable method for performing prophylactic gastropexy in dogs. At 1 and 6 months after gastropexy, adequate placement and adhesion of the gastropexy site to the body wall was confirmed. Such a procedure could maximize the benefits of minimally invasive surgery, such as decreases in morbidity rate and anesthetic time. This technique appeared to be suitable as an alternative to laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy.
Dujowich
Mauricio
M
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA. mauricio.dujowich@vshsd.com
Keller
Mattew E
ME
Reimer
S Brent
SB
D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000662:veterinary*; D013277:Stomach Volvulus / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*