Comparison between a laparoscopic articulating needle driver with standard laparoscopic instrumentation for total laparoscopic gastropexy in dogs.

SLI faster than ALI for TLG; both safe, further ALI research needed.

This prospective clinical trial compared an articulating laparoscopic needle driver (ALI) with standard laparoscopic instrumentation (SLI) for performing total laparoscopic gastropexy (TLG) in 17 dogs at risk for gastric dilatation-volvulus. Dogs underwent elective prophylactic TLG with randomized assignment to ALI or SLI for the first suture line, followed by the alternate instrument for the second line. Results demonstrated that SLI achieved significantly faster suture line completion (median 6 minutes versus 8 minutes, p<0.001). Surgeon workload assessment via NASA-Task Load Index revealed significantly higher mental demand, performance demand, effort, and frustration scores with ALI compared to SLI. Two minor adverse events occurred during the study, with all procedures completed successfully. The findings suggest that while both instruments can effectively perform TLG, standard laparoscopic instrumentation was superior in terms of operative efficiency and surgeon ergonomics. The articulating needle driver warrants further investigation as technical refinements may improve its clinical utility.

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