Laparoscopy

Laproscopy is a minimally invasive surgery in which much smaller incisions are made than are used in traditional surgery. This is made possible because in one of the small incisions, a small camera with a light on the end will be inserted into the body, which will allow the veterinarian to view the procedure on a screen in the operating room to guide their hand.

Laparoscopy allows the patient to experience much faster recovery times, drastically decreases postoperative pain, and decreases bleeding and trauma caused by surgery.

The veterinarian is able to complete the surgery using special, long-handled instruments which can be inserted into the small incisions. The incisions only need to be a few centimeters long for the doctor to achieve the reach needed. In order to allow the instruments to have enough space for safe movement within the body, the chest cavity will be pumped with carbon dioxide prior to surgery.

Laparoscopy can be used for a variety of procedures, which include:

• Collection of biopsies for diagnostic purposes.
• Ovariectomy, or spaying of female pets.
• Gastropexy, a potentially life-saving stomach operation for giant breed dogs.
• Cryptorchidectomy, which can correct undescended testicles in male pets.

Laproscopy is also sometimes referred to as, “keyhole surgery,” because the small incisions are reminiscent of keyholes. For many human medical procedures, it is considered the gold standard for safety and effectiveness. At Highlands-Eldorado Veterinary Hospital, we are proud to be able to offer such cutting-edge veterinary surgery to our clients and their pets.