Pet Conditions Commonly Treated with Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery is a type of minimally-invasive surgery. Instead of creating a large incision, the internal procedure is carried out through several very small incisions into the area. One of these is used to insert the laparoscope – a long, thin tube with a light and camera at the end. This is used to feed back a real-time image of the inside of your pet. A different incision is created as an access point for tiny surgical instruments to carry out the necessary treatment.

What are the benefits of laparoscopic surgery for pets?

There are several benefits to performing surgeries laparoscopically. These include:

Small incisions, usually no more than a few centimeters across
Less post-operative pain
Less scarring
Fewer risks associated with the procedure
Reduced blood loss
Faster recovery

Your vet will be able to advise you if your pet’s condition can be treated laparoscopically and will take you through every step of the process and what to expect.

What pet conditions can be treated with laparoscopic surgery?

An increasing number of veterinarians are acknowledging the benefits associated with laparoscopic surgery. Some of the most common pet conditions that may be possible to be performed laparoscopically include:

Gastric dilatation and volvulus correction

Also known as GVD, this life-saving procedure involves untwisting the stomach, moving it to its normal position, and attaching it to the inside of the body wall to avoid re-twisting. Depending on the severity of this condition, it may be necessary for your vet to remove part of the stomach/spleen too.

Spaying

All vets recommend that owners of female pets have them spayed as soon as possible. Spaying them before their first heat can increase the benefits associated with sterilization. For example, spaying helps to prevent certain uterine infections and can reduce the risk of many female cancers, including breast cancer, which has a low recovery rate. Spaying is more complex than neutering/castrating since a female’s reproductive organs are located inside their abdominal cavity. In the past, spaying required extensive open surgery. However, today the procedure can be performed laparoscopically, reducing the risks associated with the procedure.

Taking biopsies

Biopsies are recommended when your vet believes that there may be something unusual about an organ or area of tissue within your pet’s body. A biopsy involves taking a small sample of the tissue for analysis. Biopsies often form a crucial part of the diagnostic process. Laparoscopic surgery can be used to perform most types of biopsies.

If your pet requires any of the surgeries listed above, it may be possible for them to undergo the procedure laparoscopically and reduce the risks of their treatment. Call Van Lue Veterinary Surgical in Oviedo, Florida at (321) 348-6300 today for more information or to schedule an appointment