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Laparoscopy and Thoracoscopy

Laparoscopic (abdominal) and thoracoscopic (chest) surgery uses minimally invasive techniques. Small (usually 5mm diameter) instruments are guided within body cavities using specialised cameras and “scopes”. This provides a highly detailed, magnified and well lit image allowing surgeons to see much more detail that at open surgery and without having to create large incisions.

“Keyhole” surgery reduces postoperative pain and this allows for a quicker recovery and faster return to normal activity.  This is especially important for working dogs, guide dogs or agility dogs.  This minimally invasive approach also provides a way to gather diagnostic information (eg organ biopsies) in geriatric patients many of whom would be considered by their owners to be too frail to undergo open surgery.

Smaller wounds may heal faster and are often associated with a lower risk of postoperative complication than the equivalent “open” surgery. Surgical times are often shorter with minimally invasive surgery and many patients are able to be discharged home the same day as their surgery.

Examples of the laparoscopic and thoracoscopic surgical procedures performed at Eastcott Veterinary Referrals include:

  • Gonadectomy – ovariectomy, ovariohysterectomy (e.g. pyometra), cryptorchid castration
  • Tumour staging (including lymph node removal)
  • Organ Biopsy – liver, pancreas, kidney, bowel, lung lobe, lymph node
  • Gastropexy (prevents gastric torsion or “GDV” in higher risk breeds/individuals)
  • Exploratory surgery
  • Cholecystectomy (Gall Bladder removal)
  • Adrenalectomy (select cases)
  • Pericardiectomy
  • Lung lobe biopsy
  • Thoracic Duct Ligation (chylothorax)

Our surgery team are happy to provide advice by phone or email or to answer any queries that you may have.