Long‐Term Outcome and Complications Following Prophylactic Laparoscopic‐Assisted Gastropexy in Dogs. Issue 8 (5th October 2016) - Loy Son, Natasha K.
Abstract : Objective: To characterize the short‐ and long‐term outcome (>12 months), complications, and owner satisfaction following prophylactic laparoscopic‐assisted gastropexy (LAG) in dogs. Study Design: Retrospective study. Animals: Client‐owned dogs (n = 49). Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusion: 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.