Endoscopic surgery
Laparoscopy and thoracoscopy are minimally invasive techniques for observing the internal organs of the abdomen and thorax, respectively.
A camera is inserted into the abdomen or thorax through a small skin incision. This camera magnifies the internal structures on a screen, giving a better view of the organs. Additional small incisions can be made to insert various surgical instruments.
Advantages of laparoscopy/thoracoscopy
For the veterinarian
- better visualization thanks to magnification
- direct inspection of organs (unlike imaging techniques, for example)
- rapid identification and control of bleeding
- large sample size for biopsies, facilitating diagnosis
For the animal
- less tissue trauma
- reduced risk of wound complications (infection, suture loosening, etc.) due to small incisions
- less pain
- shorter hospital stay
- faster recovery
Examples of procedures performed at the CVU
- Biopsies: liver, pancreas, kidney, intestine, lymph nodes, lungs, pleura, etc
- Sterilization of bitches: ovariectomy or ovariohysterectomy
- Castration of cryptorchid male dogs (intra-abdominal testicle)
- Prophylactic gastropexy for breeds prone to stomach dilatation-torsion
- Cystoscopy for bladder stones
- Pericardectomy
updated on 4/3/24