Comparison of ultrasonographic characteristics of the gastroduodenal junction during pyloroplasty performed laparoscopically or via conventional abdominal surgery in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of ultrasonography to detect morphologic changes in the pylorus during pyloroplasty performed laparoscopically or via conventional abdominal surgery in dogs. ANIMALS: 10 healthy mixed-breed dogs. PROCEDURE: Laparoscopic ultrasonography of the pylorus was performed in 5 dogs during laparoscopic pyloroplasty (LP), and ultrasonography of the pylorus was performed in 5 dogs during pyloroplasty via conventional abdominal surgery (CAP group). Appearance and dimensions of the pyloric sphincter were evaluated by use of a 7.5-MHz flexible laparoscopic linear-transducer probe. RESULTS: Mean +/- SD duration of the ultrasonographic procedure was 11 +/- 3.04 minutes (range, 6 to 18 minutes). In the CAP group, cross-sectional views of the pylorus revealed significant differences between the overall transverse external diameter, overall craniocaudal external diameter, and transverse diameter of the pyloric lumen. After surgery, the pyloric area was significantly increased. Longitudinal views of the pylorus revealed that width of the pyloric ring was significantly less after surgery. Transverse views of the pylorus for the LP group revealed a significant increase in the transverse diameter and craniocaudal diameter of the pyloric lumen after LP. The pyloric area was also significantly increased after surgery. Longitudinal views of the pylorus revealed that width of the pyloric ring was significantly less after surgery. Transverse diameter of the pyloric lumen was significantly increased after LP. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Analysis of results of this study suggests that ultrasonography is useful for detecting relevant morphologic changes in the pyloric sphincter after pyloroplasty.