Evaluation of a skin stapler for belt-loop gastropexy in dogs

Abstract

A new method for attachment of a belt-loop gastropexy using disposable, stainless steel skin staples was compared with a traditional hand-sewn belt-loop gastropexy technique in 24 fresh dog cadavers. Mean gastropexy times were 212 seconds for the stapled technique and 435 seconds for the hand-sewn technique. The stapled belt-loop gastropexy was significantly faster than the hand-sewn technique (P less than 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the mean maximum tensile strength between the two attachment methods. This study provides a basis for clinical evaluation of the stapled belt-loop gastropexy technique in dogs.

Disposable skin staplers for closure of linear gastrointestinal incisions in dogs

“…We selected the Appose ULC skin stapler for its previously reported good repeatability, consistency, and ease of use . Skin staplers have been used in a wide variety of surgical applications beyond cutaneous wound closure, including primary clean and contaminated wound closure, attachment of skin flaps, fixation of tubes and drains, purse string for a rectal stump, repair of penetrating cardiac injury, hernia repair with mesh, colostomies, intestinal resection and anastomosis, enterotomy and gastrotomy closure, belt loop gastropexy in dogs, typhlotomy closure in cattle, and end‐to‐end equine jejunojejunal anastomosis . The first clinical study described this method in 3 dogs with linear foreign bodies .…”

Biomechanical comparison of four technique for pelvic flexure enterotomy closure in horses

“…Clinically, this technique resulted in good healing without increased complication rates . Skin staples have been evaluated for use in intestinal surgery in pigs, dogs, people, and in horses…”

Surgical Stapling Devices in Veterinary Medicine: A Review

“…Low profile heads and clear nosepieces in some brands of staplers may provide a better view of the staples and the wound during application 48 . Skin staples have been used for primary wound closure, attachment of skin grafts, intestinal anastomosis, enterotomy and gastrotomy closure, and belt loop gastropexy 47–53 . They can also be used to stabilize butterfly tape on feeding tubes, drains, and nasal oxygen tubes to the skin and to secure wound dressings in areas that are difficult to bandage.…”