Minimally Invasive / Laparoscopic surgery

Minimally invasive surgery has revolutionised the field of veterinary surgery. As the name suggests, they are surgical techniques which allow for operations using specialised instruments while minimizing the immediate or future discomfort more invasive methods introduce. The advantages are remarkable: the trauma caused to the skin, muscles and surrounding areas are significantly reduced compared to traditional techniques. For example, laparoscopy requires only tiny incisions, usually no more than one centimetre.

This results in reduced discomfort with faster postoperative recovery and reduction in the use of pain management therapies. Precise and meticulous procedures are achieved due to the use of sophisticated equipment, small surgical instruments and monitors that allow for the magnification of images.

Minimally invasive techniques in veterinary surgery include laparoscopy, thoracoscopy and arthroscopy. Used for interventions in the abdominal cavity Laparoscopy, for example, has a wide field of applications:

• • ovariohysterectomy
  • ovariectomy
  • removal of the testis in cryptorchid dogs
  • biopsies of internal organs such as the liver, lymph nodes, etc…
  • preventive gastropexy
  • removal of bladder stones

Thoracoscopy

Thoracoscopy is a minimally invasive technique that allows for exploration of the thoracic cavity.

• • taking biopsies
  • removal of the pericardium
  • removal of lung lobes (sections of the lungs)