The use of needle arthroscope as an alternative to standard laparoscope for prophylactic gastropexy in a dog.

Abstract

Laparoscopic procedures offer advantages over traditional laparotomies due to decreased complications, shorter hospital stays, and reduced postoperative pain. Orthopedic needlescopic procedures, in which a 1- to 1.9-millimeter telescope is used, provide these benefits as well as shorter operation times and even less pain and scarring. Needlescopic abdominal procedures have not been investigated in animals. A successful prophylactic gastropexy under needlescopic visualization in a 51.6-kilogram Great Dane dog is reported. This report demonstrates the viability, safety, and success of needlescopic gastropexy in a dog with the use of a 1.9-millimeter needle arthroscope. Key clinical message: New information is provided for future hypothesis advancement on the use of needle arthroscopes for abdominal and thoracic surgery in dogs.