LAPAROSCOPY -- The  Minimally Invasive Surgery

Laparoscopy is a surgical technique that combines high technology, precision, and surgical skill.  Also called "minimally invasive surgery", veterinary laparoscopy utilizes the same technology found in human medicine and offers the same benefits to our pets. 

Although this technology has been around since the early 1900's, only within the past decade has it gained wider acceptance in veterinary medicine.  With the perfection of newer devices designed specifically for veterinarians, laparoscopy offers our pets another option to traditional surgery.

How Is Laparoscopy Performed?

Laparoscopy is performed by using several highly specialized devices including fiber optic cables and lights, miniature video cameras with microscopes, high definition monitors, and special surgical instruments handled via tubes inserted into the body through a very small incision.  

The images of the body's interior are transmitted from the laparoscope to an external video monitor, allowing the surgeon to see the internal organs and tissues, make or confirm a diagnosis, and perform a surgical procedure with very high precision, without disturbing the surrounding structures.  

Because the incision is so small -- usually the size of a dime -- only one or two sutures may be all that is required to close it, once the procedure is completed.   Contrast this with a traditional surgery, where incisions are usually much larger, and in some cases much much larger, in order for the surgeon to locate the area of interest, be able to get a good look inside and insert the surgical instruments needed to perform the procedure.     

Perhaps one of the greatest advantages of laparoscopy is the precision it allows the surgeon.  The ability to get a really good look at things and determine an exact internal location with minimal intrusion offers a wonderful alternative to traditional techniques.

What Are The Benefits?

When compared to traditional surgery, laparoscopy offers several benefits, including:

♦ Much smaller incision, resulting in less trauma to the body and less scarring.

♦ Surgery time may be shorter.

♦ Reduced risk of being exposed to infection.

♦ A more precise surgery, as it's easier for the surgeon to see what he/she is doing. 

♦ Reduced pain by up to 65%, which also reduces the amount of pain medication needed.

♦ Less overall discomfort.

♦ Faster healing and recovery time. 

♦  Able to resume normal activities in shorter amount of time.

Typical Procedures

♦ Spay

♦ Neuter of a retained testicle

♦ Gastropexy (stomach tacking)

♦ Cystotomy (bladder stone removal) 

♦ Biopsy

♦ Growth and mass removal

♦ Foreign body removal

♦ Exploratory Surgery

♦ Otoscopy (ear canal examination, as seen in image below)

What About Cost? 

While costs may vary, a laparoscopic surgery at our facility is a bit more more than its traditional counterpart.  For many pet owners who have experienced the benefits of laparoscopy themselves, the additional cost is worth it.  We recommend that you discuss the benefits of laparoscopy with your veterinarian in order to decide which option will be best for your pet .   

Other Things To Consider

Since laparoscopy is a surgical procedure, we require our standard pre-surgical screening, including a physical exam and blood work, as well as general anesthesia and pain medications. 

Need More Information?

If you are considering surgery for your pet, we recommend that you discuss the options and benefits with one of our veterinarians.  Making the right choice will be a lot easier once the needs of your pet and your questions have been addressed to your satisfaction.       

For more information about laparoscopy, please call us at 303-708-8050 and we will be happy to discuss this procedure with you and/or schedule a special consultation with one of our veterinary surgeons.