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