A review of gastropexy in canine gastric dilatation-volvulus: Techniques, complications and outcomes

Authors: Lu PH, McGhie JA
Publication: Australian Veterinary Practitioner, Volume 50, Issue 2, pp 68-82, Jun 2020
Publisher: Australian Veterinary Association

Animal type: Dog
Subject Terms: Animal remedies/veterinary medicines, Clinical examination
Article class: Clinical Report

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Abstract:

A gastropexy is a surgical technique performed in dogs to prevent gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). The procedure is performed either as part of the surgical treatment in clinical cases of GDV to prevent recurrence of gastric torsion, or prophylactically in healthy dogs considered to be 'at-risk' of suffering from GDV due to breed or behaviour related factors. Gastropexy techniques are performed by either open (laparotomic) or minimally-invasive surgical approaches. New gastropexy techniques and approaches have been developed with the aim of improving surgical outcomes and decreasing the incidence of GDV in the dog population. The present review categorises the different gastropexy techniques performed in both the treatment of GDV to prevent recurrence of gastric torsion, and as a preventative in the occurrence of GDV in 'at-risk' animals. Efficacy of the different techniques, their operative and post-operative complications and surgical outcomes are discussed.

In the surgical treatment of GDV, open approach incisional gastropexy is the most commonly performed technique, with a relatively low complication rate, formation of strong abdominal wall adhesions and a reported GDV recurrence rate of up to 5%. For elective gastropexy procedures to prevent GDV, laparoscopic incisional gastropexy techniques are favoured. The reported occurrence of GDV after elective, minimally invasive, gastropexy is 0%. Laparoscopic techniques carry a potentially higher intra-operative complication rate than open gastropexy techniques.

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