Reflux oesophagitis and stricture formation after anaesthesia: a review of seven cases in dogs and cats

Abstract

The paper describes the clinical, diagnostic and pathological features of oesophageal strictures that developed after various surgical procedures performed under general anaesthesia in five dogs and two cats. Consideration of possible predisposing causes suggests that the complication is due to gastro–oesophageal reflux during anaesthesia.

The effect of omeprazole on oesophageal pH in dogs during anaesthesia

“…Oesophageal stricture after general anaesthesia is a rare but potentially devastating complication. The aetiology of this complication is unclear although gastro‐oesophageal reflux (GOR) during anaesthesia is considered to be one of the main causes of oesophagitis, which then may lead to stricture formation in susceptible dogs and cats (Wilson 1977, Pearson and others 1978, Wilson and Walshaw 2004). The severity of this complication has led to a number of studies evaluating both the incidence of GOR, which ranges from 16 per cent (Galatos and Raptopoulos 1995a) to 55 per cent (Wilson and others 2005), and how the incidence may be influenced by different factors such as age, positioning, type of surgical procedure (Galatos and Raptopoulos 1995b), preoperative fasting (Galatos and Raptopoulos 1995a), premedication drugs (Hall and others 1987, Roush and others 1990, Galatos and Raptopoulos 1995a), induction drugs (Waterman and Hashim 1992, Raptopoulos and Galatos 1997) and inhalant drugs (Hashim and others 1995, Wilson and others 2006a).…”

Influence of metoclopramide on gastroesophageal reflux in anesthetized dogs

“…[5][6][7][8][9] Gastroesophageal reflux during anesthesia can lead to pulmonary aspiration and associated morbidity 10,11 and contributes to development of esophageal dysfunction and esophagitis following anesthesia. 12,13 On the basis of gastric volume or pH, between 17% and 60% of people undergoing elective surgeries are considered to be at risk of developing GER and regurgitation. 14,15 Measurement of esophageal pH is considered the criterion-referenced standard when investigating GER in people.…”

The Influence of Esomeprazole and Cisapride on Gastroesophageal Reflux During Anesthesia in Dogs

“…Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and its associated sequelae are well‐documented causes of morbidity and potential mortality in a variety of species, including people, dogs, and cats . Gastroesophageal reflux during anesthesia is associated with 46–65% of cases of benign esophageal stricture in dogs, and represents the most common cause of high‐grade esophagitis and stricture formation in dogs .…”