Gastropexy In Dogs Research Articles

Post-surgical photobiomodulation therapy improves outcomes following elective gastropexy in dogs

PurposeTo evaluate the effect of post-surgical photobiomodulation therapy in dogs.MethodsTwenty dogs were selected for elective gastropexy and randomly divided into a control (CG, n = 10) and a PBMT group (PBMTG, n = 10). Pre‑medication consisted of medetomidine and butorphanol. Meloxicam was administered before the procedure. Induction was performed with propofol and maintained with sevoflurane. Local blocks with lidocaine were used. Incisional gastropexy was performed in all animals. PBMTG received PBMT immediately after surgery. The need for postoperative rescue analgesia, if the animal had eaten by the evaluation momen, and pain scores were collected using the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale – Short Form (CMPS‑SF) at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 h post‑endotracheal extubation. CMPS‑SF scores were compared with the Mann-Whitney Test and proportions of animals that required rescue analgesia and had eaten with a χ2 test. P was set at < 0.05.ResultsNo rescue analgesia was needed for any animal. Still, significant differences were observed in CMPS-SF scores between CG and PBMTG between 1 and 4 h post-extubation. PBMTG had a significantly higher proportion of animals eating up to the 8 h post-extubation evaluation moment.ConclusionAdding post-surgical photobiomodulation to a standard anesthesia and analgesia protocol reduced CMPS-SF scores and increased the proportion of animals that resumed eating compared to the standard protocol alone.

Outcomes and Complications in a Case Series of 39 Total Laparoscopic Prophylactic Gastropexies Using a Modified Technique

Simple SummaryGastric dilatation and volvulus is a very severe condition that is most commonly seen in large and giant deep-chested dogs, although any dog may be affected. Recently, an increasing number of breeders and owners have become aware of the benefits of prophylactic gastropexy. Many techniques have been developed to perform gastropexy, but laparoscopic surgery, having very low levels of morbidity and invasiveness, fits well with the concept of prevention. The aim of this study is to validate a rapid, modified total laparoscopic prophylactic gastropexy technique with a low rate of complications. The results show that this procedure is safe and effective. Using this technique, it is possible to respect animal welfare and prevent the development of a life-threatening syndrome.Laparoscopic-assisted, laparoscopic, and endoscopic gastropexy techniques have been proven successful in recent years. Thanks to minimal invasiveness, low morbidity, and fast recovery, total laparoscopic gastropexy techniques have been gaining popularity. The objective of this study was to describe the use of a modified minimally invasive technique to perform prophylactic gastropexy in dogs. A case series study of 39 client-owned dogs was undertaken from June 2019 to August 2020. Each dog underwent total laparoscopic prophylactic gastropexy using a simple continuous barbed suture line and two laparoscopic needle holders without incising the seromuscular layer of the stomach and the abdominal wall. Surgical time, the number of stitches, and the length of suture were recorded. Telephone checks, owner questionnaires, and ultrasonographic exams were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure after surgery. The median gastropexy surgical time was 12 min (range 4–30 min), and the median length of the suture line was 3 cm (range 2–4 cm). The last follow-up check was carried out 9 months (mean, range 3–14 months) after surgery, and all ultrasonographic exams (n = 29) showed an intact gastropexy. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were noted. This total laparoscopic gastropexy technique was found to be safe, fast, simple, and with a low morbidity rate. It appears to be a new alternative to other methods of prophylactic gastropexy; however, further research in this area is warranted.

Absorbable fixation straps for laparoscopic gastropexy in dogs.

To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of laparoscopic absorbable fixation straps (AFS) for laparoscopic gastropexy in dogs. Cadaveric and prospective clinical study. Five dog cadavers for the cadaveric study; 12 dogs for the clinical study. The pyloric antrum was affixed to the abdominal wall laparoscopically by applying a series of straps. The cadaveric study assessed potential challenges during the procedure and stomach mucosal penetration. For the clinical study, the total duration of surgery, time to complete the gastropexy, and the number of straps used were recorded. Ultrasound evidence of adhesion, complications, and weight were monitored at 7, 30, and 90 days after surgery. Owner satisfaction was evaluated at the 6-month follow-up. The total duration of surgery was 25.8 minutes (range, 19-39; SD, 6.7), and the time to complete the gastropexy was 10.1 minutes (range, 7-19; SD, 3.9). The linear regression analysis revealed an inverse correlation between the time to complete the gastropexy and the order of the surgeries (r2 =0.75, P < .05). No complications were recorded. Ultrasound examination was used to confirm gastropexy at all follow-ups. Laparoscopic gastropexy with AFS was performed in both cadavers and clinical animals with minimal complications. Persistent adhesion was demonstrated during ultrasound evaluations and in one postmortem evaluation. This novel laparoscopic technique can be employed safely, effectively, and reasonably quickly, and the learning curve is expected to be relatively short.

Biomechanical evaluation of an absorbable fixation strap for use in total laparoscopic gastropexy in dogs.

To compare load-to-failure results for laparoscopic absorbable fixation straps (AFSs) deployed at various angles and for AFSs versus absorbable knotless (barbed) suture when used in simulated total laparoscopic gastropexy (TLG) in specimens from cadaveric dogs. 30 stomach and abdominal body wall specimens. Specimens were assigned to 1 of 3 groups for use in simulated TLG constructs for comparisons of load-to-failure results for single AFSs deployed at 30°, 60°, or 90° (AFS-angle group; n = 10) or for a gastropexy span of 4 to 5 cm achieved with 3-0 absorbable knotless (barbed) monofilament suture applied in a simple continuous pattern (TLG-1; 10) versus 8 AFSs applied with a deployment angle > 30° (TLG-2; 10). A 1-way ANOVA was used to compare results among AFS deployment angles (30°, 60°, or 90°) and between TLG-1 and TLG-2. Mean ± SD load to failure for the AFS-angle group was significantly higher for the AFS deployment angles of 60° (8.00 ± 3.90 N) and 90° (12.71 ± 8.00 N), compared with 30° (5.17 ± 1.90 N). However, no substantial difference was detected in the mean ± SD load to failure for TLG-1 (39.18 ± 7.1 N) versus TLG-2 (31.43 ± 10.86 N). Results of the present study supported the potential use of AFSs in gastropexy in dogs; however, prospective clinical research with adequate long-term follow-up is warranted before recommendations can be made.

Laparoscopic single-port ovariectomy and gastropexy in dogs.

In this study single-port percutaneous laparoscopic gastropexy in dogs using barbed suture material in combination with ovariectomy is described. A single port preventive gastropexy was performed in 6 female German shepherds in combination with ovariectomy using a laparoscope. Surgery time, intraoperative, postoperative and follow up complications were recorded. In this study median surgery time in clinical cases was 73 minutes (range 66-79). The only difficulty reported was visualization of a proper site for gastropexy on the stomach. No complications and/or episodes of gastric volvulus were detected at a 3-month minimum follow-up. The proposed technique provides an effective and minimally invasive approach to ovariectomy and preventive gastropexy in dogs.

Long‐Term Outcome and Complications Following Prophylactic Laparoscopic‐Assisted Gastropexy in Dogs

To characterize the short- and long-term outcome (>12 months), complications, and owner satisfaction following prophylactic laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy (LAG) in dogs. Retrospective study. Client-owned dogs (n = 49). Dogs that underwent prophylactic LAG at 2 veterinary academic hospitals were studied. Surgical time, anesthesia time, concurrent intra- and extra-abdominal procedures, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded following review of medical records. Veterinarian and/or owner follow-up was obtained to determine outcome and satisfaction with LAG. Five of 49 dogs (10%) experienced complications related to abdominal access during LAG. Four percent (2/49) of dogs experienced an intraoperative complication. Follow-up information was available for 89% of dogs (44/49). Four dogs died of causes unrelated to LAG or gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV) in the follow-up period. Two dogs experienced major postoperative complications requiring additional veterinary intervention. Thirty percent (13 dogs) experienced a minor postoperative self-limiting wound-related complication. Median follow-up time was 698 days (range, 411-1825). No dogs experienced GDV. One hundred percent of dog owners were satisfied with LAG, would repeat the procedure in a future pet, and would recommend the procedure to a friend or family member. LAG was an effective procedure for prevention of GDV and was associated with high client satisfaction in this cohort of dogs. A moderate rate of postoperative wound complications occurred that were minor and self-limiting in nature.

Elective gastropexy with a reusable single-incision laparoscopic surgery port in dogs: 14 cases (2012-2013).

OBJECTIVE To describe the technique, clinical findings, and short-term outcome in dogs undergoing laparoscopic-assisted incisional gastropexy with a reusable single-incision surgery port. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 14 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURES Medical records of dogs referred for elective laparoscopic gastropexy between June 2012 and August 2013 were reviewed. History, signalment, results of physical examination and preoperative laboratory testing, surgical procedure, duration of surgery, postoperative complications, duration of hospital stay, and short-term outcome were recorded. All patients underwent general anesthesia and were positioned in dorsal recumbency. After an initial limited laparoscopic exploration, single-incision laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy was performed extracorporeally in all dogs via a conical port placed in a right paramedian location. Concurrent procedures included laparoscopic ovariectomy (n = 4), gastric biopsy (2), and castration (7). Short-term outcome was evaluated. RESULTS Median duration of surgery was 76 minutes (range, 40 to 90 minutes). Intraoperative complications were minor and consisted of loss of pneumoperitoneum in 2 of 14 dogs. A postoperative surgical site infection occurred in 1 dog and resolved with standard treatment. Median duration of follow-up was 371 days (range, 2 weeks to 1.5 years). No dogs developed gastric dilation-volvulus during the follow-up period, and all owners were satisfied with the outcome. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that single-incision laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy with a reusable conical port was feasible and effective in appropriately selected cases. Investigation of the potential benefits of this reusable port versus single-use devices for elective gastropexy in dogs is warranted.

The superiority of paracostal endoscopic-assisted gastropexy over open incisional and belt loop gastropexy in dogs: a comparison of three prophylactic techniques.

Prophylactic gastropexy is a procedure that prevents the occurrence of a life threatening condition known as gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV) in dogs. The objective of this study was to compare incisional, belt loop and minimally invasive endoscopically assisted gastropexy by evaluating different parameters such as surgical time, length of scar and score of pain in dogs. Twenty-one healthy, mixed-breed adult dogs weighting 14.3 ± 2.6 kg were randomly divided into three groups. Three gastropexy techniques applied in the following order: incisional (group I), belt loop (group B), and endoscopically assisted gastropexy (group E). Surgical time, anesthetic time, length of surgical incision and score of pain 3 h after surgery were recorded for all dogs. Two weeks after the surgery, positive-contrast gastrography was used to evaluate stomach position and total gastric emptying time. Ultrasonography was also used to evaluate the gastropexy two months after the surgery. Adhesion was confirmed two months after the surgery between the stomach wall at the pyloric antrum and the right side of the body wall in all dogs by ultrasound. The mean surgical time, length of surgical incision and score of pain were significantly lower in group E compared to group I and B (P<0.05). No significant differences were found in total gastric emptying time and gastropexy thickness post-operatively (P>0.05). Due to advantages observed in the current study, the endoscopically assisted technique seems to be a suitable alternative to open incisional and belt loop gastropexies for performing prophylactic gastropexy, especially when performed by skilled surgeons.

Gastropexy for Prevention of Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus in Dogs: History and Techniques

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is a common and catastrophic disease of large and giant-breed dogs. Treatment of GDV includes medical stabilization followed by prompt surgical repositioning of the stomach in its normal anatomic position. To prevent reoccurrence, gastropexy is used to securely adhere the stomach to the body wall. Effective gastropexy decreases the recurrence of GDV from as high as 80% to less than 5%. The purpose of this article is to describe the history, indications, and techniques for gastropexy. Gastropexy was first reported in veterinary medicine in 1971 for the management of gastric reflux, and later in 1979 for treating and preventing the recurrence of GDV. Gastropexy is indicated in all dogs that undergo surgical correction of GDV. Additionally, prophylactic gastropexy should be strongly considered at the time of surgery in dogs undergoing splenectomy for splenic torsion and potentially other splenic pathology, and in dogs of at-risk breeds, such as Great Danes, that are undergoing exploratory celiotomy for any reason owing to evidence for increased risk of GDV in these patients. Although there are numerous techniques described, gastropexy is always performed on the right side of the abdomen, near the last rib. Ensuring an anatomically correct gastropexy location is vital to prevent postoperative complications such as partial pyloric outflow obstruction. Gastropexy can be performed as part of an open surgical approach to the abdomen or using a minimally invasive technique. When combined with surgical correction of GDV, gastropexy is almost always performed as an open procedure. The stomach is repositioned, the abdomen explored, and then a permanent gastropexy is performed. Techniques used for open gastropexy include incisional, belt-loop, circumcostal, and incorporating gastropexy, as well as gastrocolopexy. Each of these has been described later. Incisional gastropexy is currently the most commonly performed method of surgical gastropexy in dogs; it is quick, relatively easy, safe, and effective. Minimally invasive techniques for gastropexy are often used when gastropexy is performed as an elective, isolated procedure. Minimally invasive techniques include the grid approach, endoscopically guided miniapproach, and laparoscopic gastropexy. Laparoscopic gastropexy is the least invasive alternative; however, it requires special equipment and significant surgical expertise to perform. The authors consider it a veterinarian's responsibility to educate the owners of at-risk large and giant dog breeds about prophylactic gastropexy given such a favorable risk-benefit profile.

Result of Endoscopically Assisted Gastropexy in Dogs

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the use of endoscopy jointly with gastropexy in dogs as a potential mean to aid prevention and evaluation of the long-term efficiency of this procedure for gastric dilatation-volvulus. The study was performed on ten healthy adult medium- and large-breed dogs. The dogs had no abnormal finding upon physical examination and each underwent an endoscopically assisted gastropexy procedure. After surgery all dogs were in good condition. The surgical procedure was followed by x-ray and ultrasonographic examinations. The records included data for gastropexy anatomic location and length, duration of the surgical procedure and complications. The mean ± SD gastropexy length was 3.0 ± 0.25 cm, as determined by ultrasonography, and the mean duration of the surgical procedure was 20 ± 5 minutes. It appears that endoscopically assisted gastropexy is a simple, fast, safe, and reliable method of performing a prophylactic gastropexy in dogs. This procedure maximizes the benefits of decreased morbidity and shorter duration of anaesthesia associated with minimally invasive surgery.

Evaluation of splenectomy as a risk factor for gastric dilatation-volvulus

To evaluate whether dogs undergoing splenectomy had an increased risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), compared with a control group of dogs undergoing enterotomy. Retrospective case-control study. 219 dogs that underwent splenectomy for reasons other than splenic torsion (splenectomy group; n = 172) or enterotomy (control group; 47) without concurrent gastropexy. Medical records were reviewed for information on signalment, date of surgery, durations of surgery and anesthesia, reason for splenectomy, histopathologic findings (if applicable), whether gastropexy was performed, duration of follow-up, and date of death (if applicable). Follow-up information, including occurrence of GDV, was obtained via medical records review and a written client questionnaire. Reasons for splenectomy included splenic neoplasia, nonneoplastic masses, infarction, traumatic injury, and adhesions to a gossypiboma. Incidence of GDV following surgery was not significantly different between dogs of the splenectomy (14/172 [8.1 %]) and control (3/47 [6.4%]) groups. Median time to GDV for the 17 affected dogs was 352 days (range, 12 to 2,368 days) after surgery. Among dogs that underwent splenectomy, sexually intact males had a significantly higher incidence of GDV (4/16) than did castrated males and sexually intact or spayed females (10/156). Incidence of GDV among sexually intact male dogs did not differ between groups. Results did not support a recommendation for routine use of prophylactic gastropexy in dogs at the time of splenectomy. Other patient-specific risk factors should be assessed prior to recommending this procedure.

Evaluation of short- and long-term complications after endoscopically assisted gastropexy in dogs

To determine short- and long-term complications in clinically normal dogs after endoscopically assisted gastropexy. Prospective case series. 24 dogs. 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. 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. 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.

Prospective Evaluation of Two Intracorporeally Sutured Prophylactic Laparoscopic Gastropexy Techniques Compared with Laparoscopic‐Assisted Gastropexy in Dogs

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. Randomized clinical trial. Dogs (n=30) weighing >25 kg. 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. 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. TLG can be performed safely and effectively in dogs and although it takes longer, it has less impact on postoperative activity compared with LAG. TLG techniques may have advantages over LAG as measured by a greater willingness of dogs to move around postoperatively.

Evaluation of an endoscopically assisted gastropexy technique in dogs

To evaluate the use of endoscopy in conjunction with a gastropexy technique in dogs as a potential means to aid prevention of gastric dilatation-volvulus. 12 healthy adult medium- and large-breed dogs. 12 adult research dogs that had no abnormal physical examination findings each underwent an endoscopically assisted gastropexy procedure. On completion of the procedure, the dogs were euthanized and exploratory laparotomies were performed to evaluate the surgical site. Data recorded included anatomic location of the gastropexy, gastropexy length, and duration of procedure as well as any complications. Mean+/-SD gastropexy length was 3.3+/-0.25 cm, and mean duration of surgery was 18+/-7 minutes. In each dog, the stomach was located in its normal anatomic position and all gastropexies were sutured to the abdominal wall at the level of the pyloric antrum. The only complications during the procedure were needle bending and breakage at the time of stay suture placement. On the basis of these findings, it appears that endoscopically assisted gastropexy is a simple, fast, safe, and reliable method of performing a prophylactic gastropexy in dogs when undertaken by a person who is skilled in endoscopy. Such a procedure maximizes the benefits of decreased morbidity and shorter duration of anesthesia associated with minimally invasive surgery. Further clinical studies are warranted to evaluate the long-term efficacy of this procedure in dogs at risk for development of gastric dilatation-volvulus.

A rapid and strong laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy in dogs.

To develop a technique for laparoscopic gastropexy in dogs and evaluate effects on stomach position and strength of the adhesion between the stomach and abdominal wall. 8 healthy dogs. Dogs were anesthetized, and the abdomen was insufflated with carbon dioxide. A laparoscope was placed through a cannula inserted on the abdominal midline caudal to the umbilicus. Babcock forceps placed through a cannula inserted lateral to the right margin of the rectus abdominus muscle were used to exteriorize the pyloric antrum, a longitudinal incision was made through the serosa and muscular layer of the pyloric antrum, and the seromuscular layer of the pyloric antrum was sutured to the transversus abdominus muscle. After surgery, positive-contrast gastrography was used to evaluate stomach position and the onset of gastric emptying, and ultrasonography was used to assess stomach wall activity and mobility. Dogs were euthanatized 1 month after surgery, and tensile strength of the adhesion was tested. In all dogs, stomach position and the onset of gastric emptying were normal 25 days after surgery, and the pyloric antrum was firmly attached to the abdominal wall 30 days after surgery. Mean +/- SD ultimate load of the adhesion in tension was 106.5 +/- 45.6 N. The laparoscopic gastropexy technique described in the present study could be performed quickly and easily by an experienced surgeon, resulted in a strong fibrous adhesion between the stomach and abdominal wall, and appeared to cause minimal stress to the dogs.

Clinical evaluation of a modified circumcostal gastropexy in dogs

Clinical evaluation of a modified circumcostal gastropexy in dogs

Evaluation of a skin stapler for belt-loop gastropexy in dogs.

A new method for attachment of a belt-loop gastropexy using disposable, stainless steel skin staples was compared with a traditional hand-sewn belt-loop gastropexy technique in 24 fresh dog cadavers. Mean gastropexy times were 212 seconds for the stapled technique and 435 seconds for the hand-sewn technique. The stapled belt-loop gastropexy was significantly faster than the hand-sewn technique (P less than 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the mean maximum tensile strength between the two attachment methods. This study provides a basis for clinical evaluation of the stapled belt-loop gastropexy technique in dogs.

Gastric emptying of nondigestible radiopaque markers after circumcostal gastropexy in clinically normal dogs and dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus

SUMMARY Using radiopaque particles mixed with food, gastric emptying was assessed in healthy dogs not subjected to surgery, in healthy dogs 9 to 35 days after circumcostal gastropexy, and, in dogs 1 to 54 months after surgical treatment and recovery from gastric dilatation-volvulus (gdv). Circumcostal gastropexy surgery did not alter the 90% gastric emptying time for radiopaque particles in healthy dogs. However, 90% gastric emptying time was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) increased after circumcostal gastropexy in dogs with gdv, compared with healthy dogs after the same surgical procedure and recovery period. These results imply that dogs with gdv have delayed gastric emptying of solid particles. Whether delayed gastric emptying of markers detected in affected dogs after surgical treatment and recovery was the result or the cause of gdv was not determined. Results indicate that circumcostal gastropexy could be recommended as a prophylactic procedure for gdv in large breeds with deep thorax, because delayed gastric emptying of markers secondary to the surgical procedure is unlikely.