Laparoscopy (Minimally Invasive Surgery)
Minimally Invasive Surgery involves using highly sophisticated cameras and instruments to perform surgery through one or two tiny incisions. The images from the camera are displayed in real time on a large monitor allowing us to see the internal organs in exceptional detail. Many people are familiar with this type of surgery because of the popularity of arthroscopy (joint surgery) or laparoscopy (Abdominal Surgery….gall bladder removal, tubal ligation etc.) in human medicine. While still fairly new to veterinary medicine, the technique is proving to offer many advantages in certain situations. At Sault Ste. Marie Animal Clinic we use laparoscopy to perform ovariectomies on medium to larger sized dogs. Using the laparoscopic equipment we remove the ovaries through two tiny incisions. Compared to a traditional ovariohysterectomy (complete removal of the ovaries and uterus through a single bigger incision) there is much less stretching and trauma to the tissues so the dogs recover remarkably quickly and comfortably. We also use laparoscopic surgery to obtain samples such as liver biopsies giving us an unparalleled opportunity to see the internal organs and identify abnormalities.
For more information please see section on Lap Spay
