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What is Laparoscopic (Keyhole) Surgery?
Laparoscopy, also known as minimally invasive surgery or laparoscopic surgery, this type of surgery is already the gold standard in care for many human health procedures. Keyhole surgery is available at only a limited number of vet practices in Australia, Evervet is proud to lead the way in offering an in-house keyhole surgery service for pet lovers at our Prahran Location.
Unlike a conventional surgical incision (which may need to be several inches in length), keyhole surgery involves the insertion of a thin (5mm) surgical telescope into the patient’s abdomen or chest, this allows the surgeon to visualise the magnified internal organs on television monitors, reducing tissue trauma and invasiveness.
Laparoscopic surgical procedures cause less surgical stress and up to 65% less post-operative pain than a traditional open abdominal surgical procedure and over 50% fewer postoperative complications compared with other surgical techniques.. This means less pain and a faster recovery for your pet.
What are the benefits of Keyhole Surgery?
The principal benefits of keyhole surgery stem from its minimally invasive approach and include:
Smaller wounds
Less surgical stress and up to 65% less postoperative pain.
50% fewer postoperative complications.
Minimal infection risk (due to the minimally invasive nature of the technique).
Less invasive procedure
Faster Recovery
Increased surgical precision.
Negligible risk of bleeding
Less medication (there is a reduced need for painkillers).
What procedures can be performed by keyhole surgery?
Just as in humans, many different operations can be performed by keyhole surgery. Here at Evervet, we use keyhole techniques in pets to perform the following procedures:
Desexing: Spey and Castration with a retained (Cryptorchid) testicle.
Gastropexy (a preventative surgery to try to prevent the stomach flipping in some larger breeds).
Organ Biopsies
Cystotomy: Urinary bladder surgery.
Tumour Diagnosis and Removal.
Ask one of our friendly team whether your pet’s procedure might be amenable to keyhole techniques.
What is Laparoscopic (Keyhole) Desexing?
Pet owners have long been aware of the important health and behavioural benefits of desexing their pets. Keyhole surgical technology represents the most exciting improvement in these procedures for decades, particularly for the speying of female animals or castrating male pets with retained (cryptorchid) testicles. Desexing procedures are the most commonly performed keyhole surgeries at Evervet.
Keyhole Cryptorchid Castration
This is an operation performed to "neuter" or desex the male dog by surgically removing a retained testicle via “keyhole” surgery and the external testicle as normal.
offer significant advantages over traditional open abdominal surgery, including less surgical stress and reduced post-operative pain, leading to a faster recovery. Since the retained testicle is typically much smaller than the descended one in the scrotum, this testicle can be difficult to find during traditional surgery. Keyhole surgery increases visualisation, making it easier to find the testicle and reducing anaesthetic time.
Traditional Spey compared to a Laparoscopic Spey
Traditional Spey
Traditional Spey techniques require the surgeon to make an incision through the abdominal wall that may be several inches long (especially in large dogs). The surgeon then removes both ovaries and the uterus by manually pulling and tearing the ligaments that attach to these organs.
Whilst most vets are incredibly competent in this skilled procedure, the recognised potential complications include bleeding, pain and inflammation; the result of which is delayed recovery and a slightly higher risk of complications.
Keyhole Spey
A keyhole spey is different. Two very small (5mm) wounds are created through the skin and muscles into the abdominal cavity allowing the insertion of a fibre-optic camera and long, thin delicate instruments. The surgery is entirely performed inside the body, with maximum precision, negligible bleeding risk and minimal invasion and trauma. With laparoscopic surgery, only the ovaries are removed (ovariectomy), this shortens the surgical time and further reduces the risk.
The benefits of keyhole desexing are:
Reduced pain and discomfort (less pulling and no clamping of organs during the procedure)
Negligible risk of bleeding
Less medication (there is a reduced need for painkillers - this is subject to the individual patient)
Minimal infection risk (due to the minimally invasive nature of the technique).
Laparoscopic Cryptorchid Castration
This is an operation performed to "neuter" or desex the male dog by surgically removing a retained testicle via “keyhole” surgery and the external testicle as normal.
offer significant advantages over traditional open abdominal surgery, including less surgical stress and reduced post-operative pain, leading to a faster recovery. Since the retained testicle is typically much smaller than the descended one in the scrotum, this testicle can be difficult to find during traditional surgery. Keyhole surgery increases visualisation, making it easier to find the testicle and reduces anaesthetic time.
What is a Laparoscopic Gastropexy?
Gastropexy is performed to prophylactically prevent the lethal "twisting" of the stomach that can occur in large and deep-chested dogs during a "Gastric Dilation + Volvulus" (AKA "GDV") emergency. The stomach is attached to the body wall to prevent this twisting. It can still inflate and bloat but is not a life-threatening emergency.
Laparoscopic Procedures: Cystotomy, Organ Biopsy, Tumor Diagnosis and Removal
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive technique used to treat a variety of conditions, including bladder issues, organ biopsies, and tumor diagnosis and removal. By making small incisions and using a laparoscope (a tiny camera), surgeons can perform precise procedures with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues, offering significant advantages over traditional open surgery.
Laparoscopic Cystotomy
Laparoscopic Cystotomy involves the treatment of bladder conditions, such as stones or tumors, through small abdominal incisions. The enhanced visibility provided by the laparoscope makes it easier to access and address the bladder, reducing anaesthetic time and promoting a faster recovery.
Organ Biopsies
Organ Biopsies are another key application of laparoscopy. By using small incisions and high-definition imaging, surgeons can accurately obtain tissue samples from organs for diagnosis, with reduced pain, faster healing, and lower risk of infection.
Laparoscopic Tumor Diagnosis and Removal
Laparoscopic Tumor Diagnosis and Removal offers a precise and effective method for detecting and removing tumors from organs such as the bladder, liver, or kidneys. The enhanced view allows for accurate tumor identification and removal, while minimizing surgical risks and improving recovery times.
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