Keyhole Surgery
Keyhole surgery, also known as laparoscopic surgery, is a minimally invasive technique used to explore the abdomen in both humans and animals. It is a technique which is becoming more and more widely available in people, and is now making inroads into veterinary medicine. Keyhole surgery is different from “traditional” surgery in that instead of making a large incision (cut) in the abdomen, very small incisions are made and advanced instruments are used via these incisions to perform the surgery. It has many benefits for the patients, and, in our case, the owners.
Laparoscopy involves making two to three small "keyhole" incisions in the abdomen. A camera and fine instruments are introduced through these incisions, allowing various procedures to be performed. In human medicine, laparoscopy has been widely used due to reduced surgical trauma and quicker recovery times compared to traditional open surgery. Similarly, in veterinary medicine, laparoscopy offers the same advantages. This is particularly important for our patients, as they often don’t do what they are told! It can be very challenging for our clients to rest a boisterous dog to prevent them bursting their stitches. After undergoing a laparoscopic surgery, there are far smaller incisions and often two or even just one stitch!
One of the most common procedures that laparoscopic surgery is used for in dogs is spaying bitches. The advantages over older methods of surgery include:
- Less postoperative pain: Laparoscopic spays result in less discomfort for your pet.
- Fewer stitches: Both internally and externally, leading to a faster return to normal exercise levels.
- Smaller incisions: Reduced risk of complications and less trauma to tissues.
- Quicker recovery: often bitches that have undergone laparoscopic spays return to almost normal function after a few days, as opposed to the traditional two weeks for open surgery.
Other Laparoscopic Procedures in Veterinary Medicine include removing retained testicles, minimally invasive biopsying of organs and bladder surgery. It has now become possible even to remove a spleen from a dog laparoscopically.
Laparoscopic surgery was once considered too specialised for general practice. However, Downe Vets are pleased to offer this refined technique to our clients in the Lecale area and beyond.. We have invested in the necessary equipment and training in order to offer a better, less painful procedure to the pets under our care. Please contact us if you have any questions about keyhole surgery, or would like to book your pet in for a procedure.