Elective Laparoscopic-assisted Gastropexy

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) in dogs is a common and life threatening disease. The only accepted method of preventing gastric volvulus is with gastropexy. Some surgeons have advocated performing an elective gastropexy concurrent with neutering. A laparoscopic-assisted technique has been recently developed to perform a gastropexy without having to perform a laparotomy.* The procedure is quick and minimally invasive. A rigid laparoscope is used to visualize the pyloric antrum, which is exteriorized through an instrument portal in the right lateral body wall. An incisional gastropexy is performed, and the site is visualized abdominally with the scope. Patient recovery is rapid and complications are no more likely than with standard techniques.

Dogs at an increased risk of GDV who might benefit from an elective gastropexy include: large breed deep chested dogs, dogs with a family history of GDV, or dogs with previous episodes of gastric dilation without volvulus.

*Rawlings, CA. Laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy. JAAHA. Jan 2002.

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