Gastrotomy/Enterotomy

Before the procedure takes place, we ask that you, (the owner) read this information carefully as it provides you with knowledge ready for the elected procedure. All surgical procedures undertaken carry associated risks and complications. Although rare, we want you to be fully informed before you proceed.

Please read the following list of complications that can result from this procedure and ask a member of staff if you have any questions or concerns. This list is not exhaustive. We will discharge your pet with a buster collar to be worn at all times which can help reduce the incidence of post-operative complications. Ideally this should be worn for a full 10 days. There are surgical vests that can used instead, although these would need to be purchased by yourself as we do not stock these items. Should an accepted complication arise, owners are liable for the costs associated with the complication.

1. Anaesthetic death
2. Haemorrhage (bleeding) both during and after the procedure
3. Wound break down partial or complete
4. Wound infection
5. Bruising and swelling
6. Seroma (pocket of fluid)
7. Damage to other internal organs
8. Pain
9. Suture material reaction
10. Wound breakdown of the stomach/intestine suture site
11. Peritonitis 
12. Risk of injury on recovery post-operatively
13. Clipper rash or skin reaction to surgical scrub
14. If a section of the intestines has become damaged/non-viable as a result of the foreign body, it may be necessary to perform an enterectomy to remove this section. We would always try to contact you first but if we are unable to reach you we would proceed in the patient’s best interest. There would be additional costs for the enterectomy.

We take precautions to minimise these risks, however on occasion complications do arise. We do offer post-operative checks at 3 and 10 days post-surgery to monitor your pets’ recovery.