Safety of endoscopy in the immediate postoperative period following gastric anastomosis.

The safety of gastrointestinal endoscopy in the immediate postoperative period following partial gastrectomy was assessed in ten dogs. Endoscopy was performed preoperatively and at 1, 2, 3, and 7 days postoperatively. The mean pressures required to perform an adequate endoscopy varied from 17 to 20 mm Hg. Following partial gastrectomy, the abdominal wall was closed with a zipper to facilitate inspection of the gastric anastomosis. No leakage of air or intra-abdominal abscesses were seen following endoscopy. The results of this study suggest that endoscopy can be safely performed in the immediate postgastrectomy period.