Laparoscopy

You probably have had or know someone who has had laparoscopic surgery. This method is commonly used in human medicine. It involves the use of a tiny camera designed for surgery to access areas in the body, such as the abdominal cavity.

During laparoscopic surgery in veterinary medicine, the patient is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure as normal. A small incision is then made in the area of concern. This allows us to insert the laparoscope into the body. One or two more small incisions may also be created, depending on the procedure, in order to allow the introduction of surgical instruments.

The abdomen can then be filled with gas, allowing us a better view through the camera on a monitor in the surgery room.

Laparoscopy can be used as a diagnostic tool, such during exploration of the abdomen, (or thorax in case of thoracoscopy) and while sampling organs via biopsy specimen but also a treatment tool, as much as any other surgical procedure.

Laparoscopic surgery has been around for a long time in the human world and it is the gold standard for many surgical procedure. It is also knows as keyhole surgery or minimally invasive surgery.
We are really just starting to use it more in veterinary medicine, and there are some great reasons to do so.

Minimally invasive surgery is not just about small wounds. Small wounds are not the ultimate aim, but a benefit – the real aim is safer surgery with better outcomes and faster recovery. The benefits of laparoscopic surgery in veterinary medicine are similar to those seen in human medicine.
Those are:
• A smaller incision
• Less pain post-operatively
• Faster healing time
• Better visibility for the surgeon
• Shorter anesthesia times
• Fewer complications, such as bleeding
• Faster anesthetic recovery

Examples of surgical procedures performed via laparoscopy:
• Spay
• Cryptorchid neuter
• Exploratiomn of the abdomen
• Biopsy of internal organs
• Bladder stone removal
• Gastropexy to prevent GDV
• Cholecistectomy
• Adrenalectomy
• etc