Comparaison of incisional and endoscopic percutaneous gastropexy techniques in dogs: a preventive approach to gastric dilatation-volvulus syndrome

Abstract

Prophylactic gastropexy is the most effective method to prevent gastric dilatation and volvulus syndrome in dogs, a condition often fatal. The study aimed to compare two surgical techniques for gastropexy: the classical incisional gastropexy through a midline approach and the endoscopy-guided percutaneous gastropexy, to identify the least invasive and most effective method for fixing the most mobile part of the stomach. The research involved 16 dogs, divided into two groups of 8. The first group underwent classical incisional gastropexy, while the second group was treated with endoscopy-guided percutaneous gastropexy. The techniques were compared in terms of efficacy, invasiveness, and impact on the animal's recovery and overall well-being. The results showed that the endoscopy-guided percutaneous gastropexy is a highly recommended technique due to its minimally invasive nature and effective stomach fixation. However, its adoption is limited by the high cost of endoscopic equipment and the need for specialized training to perform the procedure. These factors make the classical incisional gastropexy a more accessible option in many contexts, despite being more invasive.