Veterinary Laparoscopy for Diagnostic & Minimally Invasive Procedures

Orchard Park Veterinary Medical Center offers laparascopic procedures. Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive way to examine the organs in the abdomen. It is a safe technique that minimizes soft tissue trauma to the patient allowing for faster and less painful recovery. Anesthesia time can also be reduced which is important in geriatric and debilitated patients.

The laparoscopic procedure involves passing a small needle into the abdomen and inflating the abdomen with gas (carbon dioxide) in order to distend it and allow for visualization and working space. Approximately 2 to 3 portals are usually made which involves skin incisions that are 5-10mm in length. A scope is placed through a portal to view the organs in the abdomen. Several other instruments such as electrocautery, laparoscopic surgical instruments and lasers can be placed via the other portals to perform the surgical procedures needed. The images from the scope are magnified on a monitor in the operating room which gives an excellent view of the internal organs.

Laparoscopic diagnostic techniques that are most commonly performed are biopsies of organs or masses to rule out disease or cancer. The most commonly biopsied organs are the liver, pancreas, spleen and less frequently the kidney. Other organs such as the intestines and bladder can also be biopsied via laparoscopic assisted technique.

Laparoscopic surgical techniques such as ovariectomy and prophylactic gastropexy are gaining popularity.

Ovariectomy (spay) is a fast and simple technique. Unlike the "typical" spay (Ovariohysterectomy) where the ovaries and uterus are removed; in this procedure, only the ovaries are removed. The uterus remains intact, inactive and poses no problem for the patient. This method of spaying has been performed in Europe for many years without problem. Ovariohysterectomy can also be performed via laparoscopy or laparoscopic-assisted method where the uterus can be exteriorized from the abdomen through a small incision and removed.

Gastric-Dilatation/Volvulus (GDV) or "Bloat" is a life-threatening problem that occurs in large, deep-chested dogs such as the Great Dane. A prophylactic gastropexy is a procedure that can be performed via laparoscopy to prevent this disease (GDV) from occurring.

A prophylactic (preventative) gastropexy is a technique in which the stomach is tacked to the abdominal wall permanently, therefore, preventing the stomach from rotating abnormally (GDV). This procedure can be performed in dogs that are predisposed to GDV in order to prevent the disease from occurring.

Prophylactic gastropexy refers to performing the procedure before the dog has the problem. In a laparoscopic procedure, scopes and instruments are inserted into the abdomen. The stomach is grasped with forceps and pulled to the right side of the abdomen just behind the 13th rib where it is fixed to the abdominal wall using sutures.

Laparoscopy offers another way to diagnose and treat certain diseases. Its minimal invasiveness (as compared to an exploratory laparotomy) has many advantages which include less pain, shorter recovery time and decreased infection rate.

Laparoscopic surgical procedures are currently being offered by Dr. Paul Kloc. The procedures offered here at OPVMC include; Biopsies (liver, pancreas, intestinal, kidney), Ovariectomy (removal of the ovaries), Cholecystocentesis (aspiration of the gall bladder for culture and sensitivity), Jejunal feeding tube placement, Cryptorchid (retained testicle) surgery, and Prophylactic laparoscopic assisted gastropexy. Laparoscopic procedures are offered for both our canine and feline patients.

Please call the office at 716.662.6660 for further information or to schedule a consult appointment with Dr. Kloc.