Laparoscopic Spays in Sussex | Coastway Vets
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    Laparoscopic Surgery Clinic

Laparoscopic Surgery at Coastway Vets

We are very proud to be able to offer keyhole surgery!

Keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery is a minimally invasive surgery, which involves passing a camera and specialised instruments through small (0.5-1cm) incisions in the body wall, to perform surgical procedures.

You may be aware of the many reported advantages of keyhole surgery for people and we believe the same is true for pets.

What are the reported advantages of keyhole surgery in pets?

  • There is reduced post operative pain than traditional operations.
  • Smaller incisions.
  • Faster healing time.
  • Fewer post-operative complications.
  • No stitches in the skin.
  • Rest is usually only required for five days after the procedure.
  • Clearer and safer view for the surgeon.

 

There are many surgical and diagnostic procedures we can perform using our specialised equipment and trained colleagues. The most common is keyhole spaying (laparoscopic ovariectomy).

What are the reported advantages of keyhole surgery in pets?

  • There is reduced post operative pain than traditional operations.
  • Smaller incisions.
  • Faster healing time.
  • Fewer post-operative complications.
  • No stitches in the skin.
  • Rest is usually only required for five days after the procedure.
  • Clearer and safer view for the surgeon.

 

There are many surgical and diagnostic procedures we can perform using our specialised equipment and trained colleagues. The most common is keyhole spaying (laparoscopic ovariectomy).

How does keyhole spaying work?

A keyhole spay is performed through two small incisions (0.0.5-1cm depending on the size of the patient), compared to one larger incision (2-4cm in cats, 5-15cm in dogs). Keyhole spays are suitable for most cats and dogs, and there is no minimum weight limit.

One incision is for the camera, which displays a magnified view on a monitor, allowing a clear picture for the veterinary surgeon. The second incision is for instruments which are used to remove the ovaries.

What is the difference between ovariectomy and ovariohysterectomy long-term?

The effect of both surgeries is the same. Spayed females will not have seasons, cannot become pregnant and will not develop false pregnancies. Spayed animals cannot develop life-threatening uterine infections (pyometra) or ovarian tumours.

In addition, spaying a female dog before her third season has been proven to reduce the risk of developing mammary cancers later in life.

Other procedures

Keyhole surgery can benefit many other patients, and enables us to provide minimally invasive options for surgeries such as:

  • Removing retained testicles.
  • Liver biopsies.
  • Prophylactic gastropexy.

 

Keyhole surgery requires expert training for our team, and investment in and maintenance of the equipment. There is, therefore, an additional cost associated with most keyhole surgery compared to open surgery.