Gastrotomy
A gastrotomy in pets is a routine surgical procedure and performed in both dogs and cats. Despite being relatively safe, the technique used in this surgery is vital to preventing complications. It is an incision through the stomach wall into the lumen.
Indications
The most common cause for a gastrotomy in dogs and cats is a foreign body removal. The size and shape of the foreign body is essential in understanding of the surgical procedure as it may become fixed with the tissues.
· Sharp foreign bodies are risky thus the surgical procedure is necessary due to the high risk factor linked to perforation.
· Linear foreign bodies may become anchored in the pylorus and will most likely require surgery for the removal thereof.
· Should an object be fastened in the distal oesophagus, it is more likely to be removed with forceps inserted through the lower oesophageal sphincter via a gastrotomy and therefore reducing the risks of pneumothorax (the collapse of the lungs),
A gastrotomy can also be used to decompress and alleviate a canines stomach contents or air within the cavity before repositioning the gut for a procedure known as a GDV.
Surgery
To remove the foreign body lodged in the stomach, a stab incision is made with a scalpel and then extended using a pair of scissors. Whilst open, suction will be used, but no cauterizing will take place, as the bleeding will stop once the stomach is sutured closed.
This procedure is a clean (sterile) procedure, so it is important to perform this procedure in a sterile theatre.
