A gastropexy is a procedure in which the stomach is tacked to the body wall to prevent a life-threatening condition called gastric-dilatation volvulus (GDV). This condition can occur in 1 out of every 5 dogs that are at risk and do not undergo a prophylactic gastropexy.
Your primary care veterinarian may recommend a prophylactic gastropexy if you have a large or giant breed dog, such as a Great Dane, Rottweiler, or Standard Poodle. They may also recommend a gastropexy if your dog is anxious, deep-chested, or has a close relative that has experienced a GDV.
Your veterinarian and/or an ACVS board-certified veterinary surgeon may recommend additional tests prior to a prophylactic gastropexy. These will depend on your pet’s age and overall health condition. This may include bloodwork, such as a complete blood cell count or chemistry to evaluate the overall health of your pet as well as the function of their liver and kidneys. In some older animals, your veterinarian may recommend urinalysis or thoracic radiographs (chest x-rays).
This procedure may be performed with open surgery. With open surgery, a larger incision is made on the abdominal midline, usually 8-12 inches in length, although the final size depends on your pet. The stomach is attached to the body wall with suture to form a permanent attachment.
Prophylactic gastropexy is a procedure that can be performed laparoscopically, or minimally invasively. This entails 2-3 small (less than 1.5 inches) incisions in the abdomen for laparoscopic instruments. Sometimes, an additional and slightly larger incision may be created behind the last rib on the right side. For this procedure, the abdomen is distended with carbon dioxide gas and a camera is introduced to visualize structures within the abdomen, like the stomach. Laparoscopic surgery results in less pain and a shorter recovery for your pet compared to open surgery.
Following surgery, your pet should remain exercise restricted and confined to the home for 10-14 days. No running, jumping, swimming, or playing should be allowed during this time. An Elizabeth collar (cone) should also be worn during this time to prevent licking and chewing of the incision which may lead to infection and opening of the surgical wound.
Mild complications following surgery can occur, such as incisional bruising or swelling and infection.
The prognosis is excellent following surgery.
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