Dr. Newton welcomes surgery questions from veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
Click here to submit your question, or send an e-mail to vm@advanstar.com
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Q. Which technique should I use for prophylactic gastropexy at the time of spaying and neutering in dogs that I think will
be at risk for developing gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV)?
Dr. Jenifer Newton
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A. My preferred technique for gastropexy in general is laparoscopic-assisted. However, if you are doing an open spay or routine
castration or do not perform a laparoscopy, I would recommend the belt-loop technique.
The belt-loop gastropexy is relatively quick to perform, the seromuscular flap in the stomach wall is easy to dissect, and
there is a low risk of penetration into the gastric lumen. Unlike the circumcostal technique, in which a specific rib is isolated
and incorporated, the belt-loop has increased flexibility in the placement of the tunnel in the abdominal wall and virtually
no risk of creating a pneumothorax. Adhesion formation is extremely reliable with this procedure.
Incisional gastropexies are also a great choice in that they are quick and easy to perform. The only caveat would be to make
absolutely sure the sutures are muscle layer to muscle layer when closing stomach to body wall. This ensures adequate adhesion
formation. Also, be vigilant not to penetrate the mucosa of the stomach when making the gastric incision.
SUGGESTED READING
Rasmussen L. Stomach. In: Slatter D, ed. Textbook of small animal surgery, Volume 1. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier, 2003;592-643.
Jenifer Newton, DVM, MS, DACVS
Saint Francis Veterinary Specialists
625 Dekalb Industrial Way, Suite 500
Decatur, GA 30033
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