Both you and your pet benefit from minimally invasive surgery as there is much less pain, less anesthesia time, fewer potential complications and minimal recovery period as compared to traditional abdominal surgery. With traditional surgery, your pet is often hospitalized for several days; however with laparoscopic surgery, you can often bring your pet home the same day.
In our continuing efforts to provide both you and your pet with the best and most advanced veterinary care possible, we have purchased state-of-the-art video laparoscope and ultrasonic scalpel. The Johnson and Johnson Ethicon Ultracision Harmonic Scalpel is the most advanced cutting tool in the medical field. It not only cuts and coagulates simultaneously; it is the ultrasonic scalpel of choice in most human hospitals. This instrument is typically not available for use in veterinary applications, but since we strive to maintain the highest standards possible, we have decided to employ this technology for our animal patients.
In a traditional surgery, a large incision is made in the underside of your pet's abdomen. The surgeon opens up the incision and the abdominal cavity is exposed. After the surgeon performs the necessary procedure, your pet's abdomen is stitched together, often with several layers of sutures. Another layer of skin sutures is required in order to complete the surgery. This procedure is often quite painful as ligaments are stretched, bleeding occurs and organs are bruised.
By performing the procedure laparoscopically, there is no major incision, your pet experiences less trauma and minimal pain. Laparoscopic procedures are performed through one or two small holes in the abdomen, typically 3/16" in size. After inserting the thin laparoscopic tube, we are able to perform surgery with magnified views of the organs, allowing for greater precision, less bruising and less bleeding. Since the organs are carefully cut and cauterized (rather than torn), your pet experiences much less pain, fewer potential complications, minimal recovery period and a faster return to normal function as compared to traditional abdominal surgery.
Advantages of Laparoscopic Surgery over Traditional Surgery:
- Smaller incisions that are less painful
- Controlled cuts minimize pain and bruising
- Reduced surgical time and fewer potential complications
- Less anesthesia needed
- Allows for excellent visualization of abdominal organs
- Surgery is performed through a few tiny incisions rather than a large abdominal opening
- Reduced recovery time
- Our veterinarians are highly-trained in Laparoscopic Surgery and we are proud to be the first hospital in Western NC to offer this minimally-invasive technique to our family of clients and pets.