Evaluation of biomechanical traction of incisional gastropexy and scarification gastropexy techniques in dogs

ABSTRACT

Background: Gastropexy is used to correct gastric dilatation volvulus, a disease that usually affects large and giant dogsand leads to death in 23.4 - 43% of patients. This study aimed to evaluate the biomechanical traction of 2 gastropexytechniques, incisional gastropexy and scarified gastropexy, in 10 dog cadavers. Incisional gastropexy comprises a singleincision in the abdominal wall and another incision in the stomach wall in the pyloric region followed by simple continuous sutures. The scarification technique creates scarification along the stomach borders of the pexy. Thereby, knowing thatboth techniques are successful, the biomechanical traction of each technique was compared.Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 10 animals without defined breed weighing from 6.4 - 43.0 kg were allocatedinto 2 equal groups (GE [scarified gastropexy] and GI [incisional gastropexy]). Incisional gastropexy was performed witha simple continuous suture pattern in the GI group and scarified gastropexy with an interrupted simple suture pattern wasperformed in the GE group. Absorbable 2-0 monofilament yarn (polygllecaprone 25) was used for sutures in both groups.Rectangular segments of the gastric antrum were collected from the right abdominal wall and from the bottom of thestomach at the left abdominal wall, which were subjected to a traction test. The scarification technique was easier, faster,and used less surgical sutures than the incisional technique. Both techniques were effective regardless of the site applied,with no significant differences. There was a difference in stretching depending on location.Discussion: The pathogenesis of gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV) is unknown. However, gas accumulation inside thegastric chamber may lead to organ dilation and consequently cause torsion of the cardia region and pyloric antrum, resulting in strangulation of blood vessels and nerves. This torsion could cause stomach ischemia followed by organ necrosis if...