Surgical Anatomy of the Gastrointestinal Tract in Cats

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The surgical anatomy of the feline gastrointestinal tract has not been studied thoroughly, and there are only a few anatomical studies in the literature. Surgical procedures carried out on the gastrointestinal tract of cats are quite frequent, and their deep knowledge of surgical anatomy can help veterinary surgeons to better understand the anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract and plan and perform the main surgical procedures used in this region. The purpose of the present study is to describe the anatomy of the feline gastrointestinal tract and mention the basic surgical procedures that are performed in each region, as well as some surgical tips for veterinary surgeons. ABSTRACT: In cats, the gastrointestinal tract is one of the regions in which surgical procedures are most frequently performed by veterinary surgeons; therefore, knowledge of the surgical anatomy of the feline gastrointestinal tract is of high importance. The main surgical procedures performed include gastrotomy, gastrectomy, enterotomy, and enterectomy, as well as procedures in the liver and pancreas. There are also anatomical differences between dogs and cats, increasing the need for deep knowledge of the anatomy treated in the different surgical approaches. The aim of the present review is to describe in detail the anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract in cats highlighting the anatomical regions of significant importance in different surgical procedures.