Clinical evaluation of a modified circumcostal gastropexy in dogs

A modified circumcostal gastropexy was performed in 5 Greyhounds. A 3-cm-long tunnel was created between the seromuscular and submuscosal layers of the pyloric antrum. A 6- to 7-cm-long segment of the cartilaginous portion of the 10th or 11th rib was dissected free of surrounding tissues and transected; the proximal portion of the rib was inserted through the seromuscular tunnel. The transected ends of the rib were overlapped approximately 1.5 cm and sutured in apposition in a side-by-side manner. Mean time for completion of the gastropexy was 11.5 minutes. Persistence of the surgically created gastric adhesion was verified by laparoscopy and ultrasonography 6 and 18 months after surgery. Positive-contrast radiography confirmed normal anatomic position of the stomach. Important complications associated with the procedure were not detected. Results for these 5 dogs indicated that modified circumcostal gastropexy could be performed rapidly, was safe, and created long-lasting gastric fixation.