Predisposed breeds (Great Dane, Weimaraner, St Bernard, Gordon Setter, Irish Setter, German Shepherd, Standard Poodle, Golden Retriever, and others) can benefit from this procedure. A 5 mm trocar is introduced at the umbilical area and a second 10 mm trocar placed lateral and 3 cm caudal to the last rib (Fig 1). CO2 is used to insufflate the abdominal cavity and facilitate the procedure. The stomach is grasped at the recommended site with Babcock forceps (used for gastric bypass) and brought through the second trocar (fig 2).

The stomach is secured with sutures to the body wall and a permanent attachment is created preventing the rotation of the stomach. The advantages of this procedure include:

• Short and safe surgery (can be performed at time of neutering).
• Minimally invasive (less pain).
• Quicker recovery (5-7 days).
• Less expensive than treating GVD.
• The patient can go home the day of the surgery.
• Prevents effectively the stomach torsion (volvulus), real killer of the dog.

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Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Stapled Gastropexy to prevent Gastric Dilation/Volvulus Syndrome (bloating) in Giant Breeds