Laparoscopic Surgery

Among many surgery services, VCA Alameda East offers laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic surgery is becoming popular in the veterinary world due to the benefits of this modern surgery technique. Laparoscopic surgery, often called the "keyhole surgery" consists of a small laparoscopic camera and a light source that is inserted in an incisions (less than 1 inch long) that displays images on a monitor to allow veterinarians view the inside of the animal. The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide to create a larger space for working and viewing. Once the area has been viewed with the laparoscopic camera, the veterinarian uses specialized tools to perform the procedure.

Laparoscopic surgeries have many benefits including the reduction of pain and healing time. Due to the small incisions, there is less bleeding, scarring and soft tissue trauma is minimized for an altogether less painful recovery period.

The most common laparoscopic surgeries are:

1)  Laparoscopic Ovariectomy (OVE) – A surgical removal of the ovaries via two "keyhole" incisions (one for the scope and one for the instrument used to seal/ligate/transect the ovaries).
 
2)  Laparoscopic Assisted Gastropexy – A surgical attachment of the stomach to the abdominal wall to prevent Gastric-Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV), a severe life threatening surgical emergency.  Recommended for large and giant dog breeds. 
• In females, it is possible to do OVE at same time using the same incisions.
• Our own Dr. Jeff Steen has done this procedure on many of the working dogs in the state of Colorado including many City Police and County Sheriff Departments.

3)  Laparoscopic Assisted Cyrptorchid neuter - A less invasive way to surgically remove retained testicles in male dogs.

4)  Laparoscopic Liver Biopsies - A minimally invasive way to collect liver samples for biopsy, culture and copper analysis in patients with liver disease.  

Ask our staff if you have questions about our laparoscopic surgery services.