New Trick for GDV Patients

A retrospective study examined records of 61 dogs that underwent incisional gastropexy (IG) prophylactically (n = 27) to prevent gastric dilatation–volvulus (GDV) or following gastric derotation (n = 34) after GDV. Previously reported risk for GDV recurrence following gastropexy was <5%, but type of gastropexy was not standardized. Prophylactic gastropexy has also been reported to reduce mortality 29× compared with dogs not receiving gastropexy. This study supported the conclusion that gastropexy is efficacious in preventing GDV recurrence. Whether IG is a simpler technique than those that involve muscle dissection or tube use or those that present increased risk for pneumothorax or rib fracture was evaluated. Postoperative complications potentially related to IG were mild and self-limiting, including regurgitation, inappetence, and GI upset. Authors confirmed IG efficacy to be equivalent to efficacy for belt-loop gastropexy and superior to circumcostal gastropexy and gastrocolopexy. This study provided the longest follow-up data and largest dog population to confirm efficacy of IG in the prevention of GDV recurrence.

CommentaryPerforming gastropexy at GDV presentation is essential to prevent recurrence, and there are many techniques available. Logically, the best technique is one that is simple, quick, effective, and associated with minimal complications. Many surgeons would agree that IG is among the most expedient repairs. Because the force required to cause GDV is unknown, the significance of other techniques potentially accepting more force before failure is undetermined. This study indicated that IG has minimal complications and no documented recurrence, thus concluding that IG is user-friendly, extremely effective, and rivals the belt-loop repair for GDV prevention.—Kristy Broaddus, DVM, MS, DACVS

SourceEfficacy of incisional gastropexy for prevention of GDV in dogs. Benitez ME, Schmiedt CW, Radlinsky MG, Cornell KK. JAAHA 49:185-189, 2013.