Minimally invasive surgery in soft tissue applications

In addition to arthroscopy, the DVSC offers a complete array of laparoscopic and laparoscopic assisted procedures. As the demand for minimally invasive soft tissue procedures has grown, so has our commitment to providing cutting edge care for our small animal patients. The advantages of laparoscopic procedures versus open procedures are similar to our arthroscopy patients:

1. less invasive with less patient morbidity,
2. quicker recovery time with less postoperative pain and
3. quicker return to normal activity.

During the initial consult with the client, the surgeons at the DVSC discuss the options of laparoscopic intervention versus a traditional open approach to the abdomen. Many diseases and cases presented to the DVSC are not candidates for laparoscopy. Often times, we need to be able to manually and digitally evaluate the intraabdominal organs, and a laparotomy may be recommended.

We also warn every client that if laparoscopy is recommended, and if we find that the procedure cannot be completed with the scope, then conversion to an open procedure may be necessary.

With laparoscopy the abdomen is first distended with carbon dioxide. We then introduce a 5 mm laparoscope that is connected to a video monitor. One or more additional portals are established to provide access for our hand instruments, which allow us to complete the surgical procedure. A special cauterization and cutting device (Liga Sure) is often used to facilitate removal of organs while providing hemostasis.

Following is a partial list of the laparoscopic and laparoscopic assisted procedures that may be done at the Dallas Veterinary Surgical Center:

1. Biopsies of the liver, kidneys, small intestine, stomach, etc.
2. Ovariectomy
3. Gastropexy
4. Placement of feeding tubes (jejunostomy, gastrostomy, etc.)
5. Removal of certain tumors
6. Examination for presence of diaphragmatic hernia
7. Abdominal cryptorchid castration

As research progresses in the field of minimally invasive surgery, the surgeons of the DVSC will be able to provide more and more services to the clients and referring veterinarians of the north Texas region. If you have any questions about a potential referral of a patient requiring minimally invasive surgery, please do not hesitate to give us a call at any of our locations.

View/download this topic in our newsletter, Cutting Edge, Spring 2009.