What is Minimally Invasive Surgery and How Does it Benefit My Pet?

 

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is a modern surgical approach that utilizes specialized cameras and instruments to perform procedures through tiny incisions in the abdomen (laparoscopy), chest (thoracoscopy), or joints (arthroscopy). High-definition cameras provide a magnified view of internal structures to improve surgical precision. MIS significantly reduces tissue trauma and post-operative pain in pets, leading to a much faster recovery time. Most patients do not require hospitalization and can return to their normal activities sooner than those undergoing traditional open surgery.

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Table of Contents

• How is Minimally Invasive Surgery Performed?

• Benefits of Minimally Invasive Procedures

• Types of Minimally Invasive Techniques

• Commonly Performed Procedures at CCVS Meadowbrook

• Expertise and Experience

• Frequently Asked Questions

 

How is Minimally Invasive Surgery Performed?

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Minimally invasive surgeries are performed using specialized cameras and long-handled surgical instruments inserted through very small incisions. Instead of making a large open incision, the doctor operates while viewing a high-definition magnified image of the surgical field on a monitor.

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During laparoscopic and thoracoscopic procedures, a small camera called an endoscope is placed into the abdomen or chest through a tiny port. The area is gently expanded with carbon dioxide gas to create working space and improve visibility. Specialized instruments are then used to carefully perform the procedure with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues.

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Arthroscopy works similarly but is performed inside joints such as the knee, elbow, or shoulder. A small camera allows the surgeon to directly evaluate cartilage, ligaments, menisci, and other joint structures with excellent detail.

Not every patient or condition is appropriate for a minimally invasive approach, but many common abdominal, thoracic, and orthopedic procedures can now be performed using these advanced techniques.

 

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Procedures

 

Minimally invasive surgery prioritizes the comfort and safety of the patient by minimizing the physical impact of the operation on the body.

 

Clear Advantages For Choosing Minimally Invasive Surgery For Your Pet

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• Smaller Incisions: Tiny incisions result in less visible scarring and reduced risk of wound complications.

• Reduced Pain: Smaller incisions without the need for body wall retraction cause significantly less tissue trauma and associated discomfort.

• Faster Recovery: Pets typically return to normal comfortable behavior with fewer days of pain medication,

• Enhanced Precision: High-definition cameras provide magnified views of the surgical field for the operator.

• Outpatient Care: Most procedures do not require overnight hospitalization.

 

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Commonly Performed Procedures at CCVS

 

Below are the more commonly performed minimally invasive procedures at CCVS Meadowbrook:

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Laparoscopic Procedures:

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• Laparoscopic Spay: Minimally invasive removal of the ovaries.

• Laparoscopic Gastropexy: A preventative procedure to stop "bloat" (Gastric Dilatation Volvulus).

• Laparoscopic Cryptorchid Neuter: Surgical removal of retained testicles from the abdomen.

• Laparoscopic Liver Biopsy: Collection of samples to investigate elevated liver enzymes.

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Arthroscopic Procedures:

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• Knee Arthroscopy: Evaluation of the meniscus in dogs with Cruciate Ligament Injuries.

• Elbow Arthroscopy: Diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic elbow pain.

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Thoracoscopic Procedures:

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• Thoracoscopic Pericardectomy: Removal of the sac surrounding the heart.

• Thoracoscopic Mass Removal: Removal of tumors from within the chest

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Expertise and Experience

 

A successful minimally invasive approach requires an anesthesia and surgical team with experience and advanced technical training.

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Laparoscopy & Thoracoscopy

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Dr. Fox-Alvarez DVM, MS, DACVS-SA is a board certified surgical specialist with advanced training and experience in minimally invasive procedures within the abdomen and chest. His contributions to the field include published research pioneering new minimally invasive surgical approaches.

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Arthroscopy

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Dr. Vitucci DVM, MS brings over 15 years of experience providing arthroscopic evaluations. His clinical focus is on the treatment of complex orthopedic diseases in the knees and elbows of canine patients.

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​​​​​Frequently Asked Questions

 

Does my pet need to stay in the hospital after surgery?

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In most cases, no. Due to the reduced trauma and pain associated with smaller incisions, most pets are able to go home the same day and do not require overnight hospitalization.

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Is Minimally Invasive Surgery More Expensive?

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Yes, minimally invasive surgery is typically more expensive than traditional open surgery because it requires specialized equipment and advanced surgical training. However, many owners feel the benefits of reduced pain, faster recovery, and smaller incisions make it worthwhile for their pet.

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Does my dog have to wear a cone after Minimally Invasive Surgery?

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Yes, even though the incisions are smaller, all skin incisions take between 10-14 days to heal completely. Licking and scratching at surgical incisions can be avoided with a cone or recovery garment such as a LickSleeve body suit.

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What is a Laparoscopic Gastropexy?

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This is a surgery performed laparoscopically through small abdominal incisions to tack the stomach to the abdominal wall, preventing the life-threatening condition known as Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) or "bloat."

 

 

 

 

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