Laparoscopic surgical treatment for sliding hiatal hernia is associated with an owner-perceived improvement in clinical outcome in dogs

OBJECTIVE To report perioperative complications and client -perceived outcome following laparoscopic surgical treatment for sliding hiatal hernia (SHH) in dogs. ANIMALS Client -owned dogs (n = 9). METHODS Medical records were reviewed and perioperative data collected including preoperative diagnostic imaging, operative details, complications, and need for conversion to open celiotomy. A single -incision, multicannulated port was inserted in the subumbilical region followed by placement of an additional 2 or 3 instrument portals. Hiatal plication, esophagopexy, and left -sided gastropexy were performed laparoscopically. Follow-up information was collected with telephone interview with the owners and/or referring veterinarian. A standardized questionnaire was com- pleted by dog owners postoperatively. RESULTS Intraoperative pneumothorax occurred in 5 of 9 (55.6%) dogs and resulted in conversion to open celiotomy in 2 (22.2%) dogs. In 4 dogs, pneumothorax was suspected to be the result of progressive leakage of capnoperitoneum through the suture bite holes of the esophageal hiatal plication sutures. Hiatal plication was performed using intra- corporeal simple interrupted sutures (n = 4) or a simple continuous pattern with barbed suture (4). Esophagopexy was performed using barbed suture in all dogs. Gastropexy was performed using a total laparoscopic technique (n = 4) or laparoscopic-assisted technique (3). Using a standardized questionnaire, dog owners perceived a postopera- tive improvement in regurgitation after eating and regurgitation after excitement/increased activity. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Laparoscopic treatment of SHH resulted in owner -perceived improvement in clinical signs. Intraoperative pneumo- thorax occurred in a high proportion of dogs but did not result in long-term sequelae.