Overview
Endoscopic assisted gastropexy is a minimally invasive procedure to prophylactically tack the stomach to the abdominal wall to prevent a life threatening twisting of the stomach. Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus, or as it’s more commonly called “Bloat”, is a condition where the stomach fills with gas and fluid and can then twist upon itself. The twisting leads to a blockage of the stomach that is life threatening and requires emergency surgery. Proactively tacking the stomach will prevent this twisting from occurring.
Why it’s done
Your veterinarian may recommend an endoscopic assisted gastropexy if:
• Your pet is a large, deep chested breed
• A history of bloat
• Your pet eats rapidly
How to prepare for your pet’s procedure
Before your pet’s procedure, you will meet with one of our specialists to talk about the procedure and what to expect.
When you meet with our team, please bring a list of all medications that your pet is currently taking, including over the counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Before your pet’s procedure, you may be asked to discontinue giving certain medications that can increase the risk of bleeding.
This is a good time to ask questions about the procedure and make sure you understand the risks and benefits.
Preoperative diagnostics and tests
Before your pet’s endoscopic assisted gastropexy the following may be indicated:
• Comprehensive blood panel
General Instructions for the Day of Surgery
• Give your pet nothing by mouth after midnight the night before. This means that all food and water should be withheld.
• Please arrive for pet’s admission promptly at your scheduled arrival time.
• You will be asked to sign both a Surgical Consent Form as well as an Estimate, indicating your understanding of the procedure, risks, and associated costs.
What happens during an endoscopic assisted gastropexy?
Your pet will be given a general anesthetic. Special instruments, including an endoscopy (camera) are passed through the mouth down into the stomach. The stomach is inflated with air. A small incision is made over the desired part of the stomach and it is sutured to the body wall, creating a gastropexy.
Risks
Complications associated with an endoscopic assisted gastropexy are rare when appropriate preoperative testing has occurred, but can include the following:
• Bleeding
• Pain
• Nausea
• Infection
After the procedure
• Following the procedure, you will be given a phone call with an update on your pet’s recovery. A scheduled discharge will be coordinated at that time.
• Please remove the bandage from your pet’s intravenous catheter site 10 to 15 minutes after arriving home.
• Many patients will not eat the night following anesthesia. If your pet has not eaten after 24 hours of returning home, please call Salt River.
• Some patients will vomit or have diarrhea following anesthesia. If the vomiting or diarrhea persists more than 24 hours, please call Salt River. In contrast, some patients may be constipated or may not have a bowel movement for up to 72 hours following anesthesia. If your pet is straining to defecate after 72 hours, please call Salt River.
Follow Up
Suture removal is recommended in 10-14 days.