Advanced Care

Laparoscopy

View VCA Deer Creek Animal Hospital's Video on Laparoscopic Spays - A Signature Service

Advanced Techniques for Safer, Gentler Surgeries

At VCA Deer Creek, we pride ourselves in being at the forefront of the use of new technology. Nowhere is that more evident than in our veterinary surgery. Both in terms of equipment and technique, we are innovators in the field. Our veterinary surgeons pioneered the single port laparoscopic approach. Whenever possible, we employ minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Laparoscopy
Similar to the evolution of human surgery, laparoscopy is the way of the future for pets because it provides a safer surgery, as well as a diminished level of pain. Many laparoscopic procedures can be performed through dime-sized incisions. The organs viewed via a state-of-the-art camera system are then manipulated with instruments passed through the ports in the laparoscope. The “single port” technique was first developed at VCA Deer Creek Animal Hospital and is now used around the world.

Laparoscopy is used extensively in human medicine, but it is still somewhat rare in veterinary surgeries. We advocate the use of laparoscopy for its many benefits:

  • Reduced tissue trauma
  • Less risk of infections and complications
  • More rapid recovery
  • Shorter hospitalization, allowing the pet to return home sooner
  • Decreased pain
  • Veterinarian technicians consistently report that laparoscopic patients rest more comfortably after surgery than patients with traditional surgery.

Laparoscopy has many applications and is effective in many procedures: liver and other organ biopsies, gastropexies, removal of retained testicles, bladder stone removal, and many more. Laparoscopic spays greatly diminish pain and recovery time for female dogs. VCA Deer Creek doctors are some of the country’s most proficient experts in the technique.

Procedures such as spays or gastropexy (a procedure keeping the stomach from twisting and preventing torsion bloat, a life-threatening condition) may be accomplished through these few small incisions rather than a larger one. Because of these smaller incisions, laparoscopic procedure patients experience decreased post-operative inflammation and pain, heal faster, and many can return to normal activity quicker than those who had standard procedures performed.

Unfortunately, not every surgical procedure can be performed laparoscopically.  If your pet needs surgery, discuss what surgical options are the best for your pet. Your veterinarian is the best judge of what procedures can be done with laparoscopy.

Laparoscopic Spays
Laparoscopic spays are vastly superior to traditional methods. It is estimated that its use diminishes pain and recovery time for female dogs up to 65% compared to non-laparoscopic means.

The laparoscopic technique eliminates tearing of ligaments, potential tearing of the body wall, and possible hemorrhage by the main arteries that supply the ovaries, providing a much safer surgery for your pet. The increased safety and decreased pain associated with this technique makes if the gentler and more humane way to perform spays.

Our Expertise
VCA Deer Creek Animal Hospital veterinarians only perform spays using laparoscopy. Our doctors are some of the country’s most proficient experts in the technique. VCA Deer Creek veterinarians travel the United States teaching others how to perform this promising technique. Only about 35 practices across the United States employ this technique.

Meet Foxy and her owner and learn more about VCA Deer Creek’s laparoscopic spays.

Please contact us to schedule a spay or neuter surgery when your kitten or puppy approaches six months of age. Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure in which a camera (laparoscope) is introduced into the abdominal cavity through a tiny incision. It allows a veterinarian to see inside the abdomen without having to make a large incision. Surgical instruments may also be introduced in this manner.