Laparoscopic 'Keyhole' Surgery

Laparoscopic or 'Keyhole' surgery involves the use of a high definition camera system to perform surgery in the abdomen through very small incisions using specialist laparoscopic instrumentation.

The most common keyhole procedure is neutering female dogs but it can also be used to remove retained testicles, take biopsies, remove tumours and foreign bodies and more!

How it works

First, Carbon dioxide gas is used to inflate the abdomen.

A high definition camera system or 'laparoscope' is introduced through a small incision into the abdomen.

Secondary ports are positioned to allow specialist laparoscopic instrumentation to examine and manoeuvre the abdomen. Vessel sealing devices are used to dissect and seal tissues prior to removal.

The Laparoscopic System

Our goal is to help give your pet the best care and part of this involves providing access to the best innovations and technology in the veterinary field.

In human medicine, many procedures are being converted to keyhole surgeries due to the reduced recovery times, reduced pain and reduced complication rates.

We believe in the same philosophy for our veterinary patients and that is why we have invested heavily in the latest state-of-art laparoscopic equipment made by Karl Stortz.

The abdomen first is inflated with a small volume of carbon dioxide gas. A high definition camera system is then introduced into the abdomen through a small incision to examine the abdomen. A second 'port' or opening is made into the abdomen to allow instrumentation to enter to facilitate moving structures around and removal or tissues such as the ovaries using specialist vessel-sealing devices.

Once the procedure is finished, the gas is removed from the abdomen and the surgical sites are closed using 1 or 2 small sutures.

What are the advantages?

1. Reduced pain - mainly due to reduced tissue handling

2. Smaller wounds - the camera system is only 5mm diameter allowing for very small incisions

3. Faster recovery - 3-5 days rather than 10-14 days after a traditional open surgery

4. Reduced risk of complications - mainly due to better visualisation and less reliance on sutures

5. Reduced risk of infection - due to smaller incisions

Are there any downsides?

Cost: The equipment cost is significant so the cost of keyhole procedures are generally higher

Shaving: Your pets fur may need to be clipped more to allow better access to certain structures such as the ovaries.

Complications: Although these are very rare, if there are any complications, we may need to convert to a traditional open approach to make sure the patient is kept safe.

Can any patient have keyhole surgery?

We currently only perform keyhole procedures on dogs weighing more than 10kg.

It is also not suitable for overweight or obese patients as the increased intra-abdominal fat can reduce visualisation.

We would recommend a weight control plan led by our nursing team prior to having the surgery performed. Speak to a member of our team if you are unsure about your pet's suitability.

What procedures can be done by keyhole?

The MNM Team can now perform numerous procedures using minimally invasive surgery, resulting in faster recovery times and reduced post-operative pain. Other procedures can also be assisted by the use of laparoscopic camera systems reducing the risk of complications.

Common procedures include:

Keyhole neutering or spaying
Removal of retained testicles
Biopsies or organs such as the liver, spleen or pancreas
Tumour removal
Gall bladder removal
Bladder stone removal

The High Definition Camera System also allows us to investigate and treat many other conditions such as problems in the nasal passages, bladder, airways and ears. For example, foreign body removal, polyp removal and treatment of ectopic ureters.

If you have any questions regarding if a procedure can be performed laparoscopically, simply speak to a member of our team.