Laparoscopic Gastropexy

Prophylactic gastropexy is a procedure that attaches the stomach to the inside of the abdominal wall to prevent twisting or flipping of the stomach (volvulus) when a dog experiences gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV). This procedure has a success rate greater than 95% in prevention of this life threatening condition and should be considered in large or giant breed dogs that are prone to GDV. Risk factors for GDV can include age, breed, conformation, temperament, and having a direct relative that has been afflicted with GDV. Commonly affected breeds include Great Danes, German Shepherds, Standard Poodles, St. Bernards, Setters, Weimaraners and Akitas. Talk to your veterinarian if you think a gastropexy is indicated in your large or giant breed dog.

Does my dog need a gastropexy?

Most large or giant breed dogs are candidates for prophylactic gastropexy. However, the risk for your individual dog depends not only on his or her breed, but also on age, conformation, and temperament. One large risk factor is having a direct relative that has been afflicted with GDV, therefore it can be helpful to ask your dog’s breeder about the risk as well. In general, a Great Dane’s hightened lifetime risk for GDV typically warrants prophylactic gastropexy. Talk to your veterinarian about risk factors in your dog.

How invasive Is prophylactic gastropexy?

There are three methods for prophylactic gastropexy: open approach, laparoscopy-assisted gastropexy (LAG), and total laparoscopic gastropexy (TLG). At MISCA, we perform the most minimally invasive approach: a total laparoscopic gastropexy via three tiny incisions on midline. All of the suturing is performed inside the body. Although these small incisions still need two weeks to heal, pain and complication rates are minimized, and there is no e-collar necessary! Some of our patients go home in a body suit, and all patients receive a local pain medication that lasts for three days.

Why laparoscopy?

There are many methods for prophylactic gastropexy that result in a high rate of success. Laparoscopy results in the same outcome with a shorter anesthesia time, smaller incisions and a more rapid recovery. At MISCA, we perform total laparoscopic gastropexy which results in 2-3 incisions less than 1 cm in size. We use a local anesthetic that lasts for three days which means that your dog will not need to wear an e-collar. This can be a big deal in a Great Dane puppy!!

Can prophylactic gastropexy be performed with other procedures?

Absolutely! We commonly perform laparoscopic gastropexy at the same time as a spay or neuter. When combined with a laparoscopic ovariectomy (spay), no additional incisions are necessary!

What are the complications of gastropexy? Will the procedure affect digestion?

Fortunately, the procedure itself carries little risk. A large peer-reviewed study, “Outcomes and complications of prophylactic gastropexy in 766 dogs (2009-2019)”, reported a complication rate of < 0.5%. Rare complications include hemorrhage, infection and partial dehiscence (separation of the pexy site). If performed correctly, prophylactic gastropexy should not affect digestion.