All of our in-house Laparoscopic/Endoscopic Procedures are performed by Dr. Paul Hodges.
Minimally invasive procedures (or MIP) are generally defined as “procedures that are performed in a manner that causes as little trauma to the patient as possible”.
- Over the last several years, minimally invasive procedures have become one of the most rapidly growing areas of treatment in both human, as well as, veterinary medicine. In fact, minimally invasive options are now considered the standard of care in human medicine. Minimally invasive procedures have been proven to significantly reduce recovery times after surgery, as well as, overall post-operative discomfort in both humans and animals. Minimally invasive options have been available in veterinary medicine for a number of years now, but have generally been restricted to specialty/referral centers. More recently, the benefits of minimally invasive procedures have been appreciated in general practice and a select number of veterinarians have begun offering it in their clinics. We are proud to say we were the 1st Clinic to bring this procedure to the Kitchener-Waterloo area.
- Procedures available: spay, cryptorchid neuter (one testicle within the abdomen), prophylactic gastropexy (stomach tack to prevent GDV), cystotomy (bladder stone removal), liver or intestinal biopsy, gastric (stomach) foreign body removal, rhinoscopy (visualization of the nose), otoscopy (visualization of the ear).
Why Choose a Laparoscopic over Traditional Method of Spay?
While a traditional spay is certainly effective, the availability of minimally invasive options in veterinary medicine offers significant improvements. A traditional spay involves a 3-4 inch abdominal incision and a full open abdominal surgery. The blood vessels are tied with sutures (stitches) and soft tissues stretched to allow removal of the reproductive tract. In a laparoscopic spay, a small 1 cm abdominal incision is made, just large enough to introduce a small camera and set of instruments directly into the abdomen. The blood vessels and soft tissues are cauterized and cut. By cauterizing tissue, nerve endings and blood vessels are sealed, meaning that very few pain sensations will be transmitted and a minimal amount of bleeding will occur.
Key Points:
Less painful – a study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association showed an average of a 65% decrease in pain scores when compared to traditional spay methods
Less bleeding
Less complications
Faster recovery – back to the park in 3 days!
Day surgery – your pet goes home the same day
