Laparoscopic bitch spays
We are proud to announce that we are now able to offer laparoscopic bitch spays at our sister practice Crofts Vets in Haslemere
'Keyhole' or laparoscopy has been widely used for many years in human surgery for many procedures due to its clear advantages when compared to traditional open surgery.
At Crofts Vets, we are proud to announce that we are now able to offer this minimally invasive surgery for our patients and also referrals from other vets.
Laparoscopy benefits
- It is a safer and less invasive method of surgery
- It greatly reduces surgical trauma
- Results in reduced levels of pain and discomfort after surgery, which leads to quicker recovery times.
Keyhole surgery improves how well and how much the surgeon can see during the procedure and therefore is associated with fewer surgical complications. Also as we only need 2 or 3 very small ports ('keyholes') approximately 1cm long, these smaller wounds reduce the hassle and worry associated with your pet licking the wounds, decrease the chance of infection, and reduce the requirements for strict rest after surgery.
Neutering (Spaying) a bitch using Laparoscopy (Laparoscopic Ovariectomy)
In a conventional spay, a large incision is made to allow the surgeon adequate visualisation and handling of the tissues. During this procedure both the uterus (womb) and ovaries are removed (Ovariohysterectomy), involving some tearing of tissues (suspensory ligament) which further increases the pain associated with open bitch spay. Although this is one of the most common surgical procedures we perform it is still major surgery as anyone who has had a hysterectomy will know!!
A keyhole spay is totally different
Two or three very small wounds are created through the skin and muscles into the abdominal cavity allowing the insertion of a camera and long and thin specialist instruments. The surgery is therefore performed inside the body, with maximum precision and minimal invasion and trauma. In contrast to conventional surgery, only the ovaries are removed (Ovariectomy) which shortens the surgical time and again reduces the risks involved.
Why leave the uterus behind? Evidence shows that there are no medical advantages to removing the healthy uterus and the long term health outcomes are the same for both ovariectomy and ovariohysterectomy. Both will stop the bitch from coming into season and it will prevent uterine pyometra (life-threatening infection in the uterus) as the ovaries are required for this condition to develop.
What are the main differences?
- Even though the area of fur removed is similar, your dog will only have 2 or 3 very small wounds in the midline of her tummy, near the umbilical scar
- Faster recovery from the surgery and anaesthesia
- A very short period of rest after surgery — Two or three days compared to 14 days for conventional spay
- Shorter course of postoperative pain-killers
- In the majority of cases, there will be no need to wear an Elizabethan Collar
- Greatly reduced risk of complications during or after surgery
For more details please see Crofts Vets, specialist service: laparoscopic (Keyhole) Spay
