Our Summary

This research paper discusses how laparoscopic surgery (a minimally invasive type of surgery) has become more widespread in veterinary medicine over the past ten years. This increase is due to the availability of surgical tools previously used only for humans, but now affordable for the veterinary market. These tools include machines for electrical surgery, entry ports for surgical instruments, stapling devices, tissue separators, and various laparoscopic handpieces. The creation of the laparoscopic clip applier in the 1990s led to the common practice of laparoscopic gallbladder removal in humans. Around this time, many training programs were established to quickly teach human surgeons these new techniques.

FAQs

  1. What is veterinary laparoscopic surgery and how has it evolved over the past decade?
  2. What types of surgical devices are used in veterinary laparoscopic surgery?
  3. What advancements in the 1990s allowed for common performance of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in people?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about laparoscopic surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions carefully, such as fasting before the procedure and stopping certain medications as advised. This can help reduce the risk of complications during surgery and ensure a successful outcome. Additionally, patients should be aware that while laparoscopic surgery is minimally invasive, they may still experience some discomfort and bloating after the procedure, but this typically resolves within a few days. It’s important to follow post-operative care instructions closely and contact your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms or complications.

Suitable For

In veterinary medicine, laparoscopic surgery is typically recommended for patients who are in good general health and have conditions that can be effectively treated with minimally invasive techniques. Examples of patients who may benefit from laparoscopic surgery include those with:

  • Gastrointestinal issues such as foreign bodies, tumors, or organ biopsies
  • Reproductive issues such as spaying or neutering
  • Urinary tract issues such as bladder stones or kidney biopsies
  • Liver or gallbladder issues such as biopsies or removal of gallstones

Laparoscopic surgery may also be recommended for patients who are at a higher risk for complications with traditional open surgery, such as elderly or obese animals. However, it is important for the veterinarian to assess each patient on an individual basis to determine the most appropriate surgical approach.

Timeline

Before laparoscopic surgery:

  1. Patient consults with surgeon to discuss surgical options and determine if laparoscopic surgery is appropriate for their condition.
  2. Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and evaluation to ensure they are a suitable candidate for surgery.
  3. Patient receives instructions on pre-operative preparation, such as fasting and medication management.

During laparoscopic surgery:

  1. Patient is given anesthesia and positioned on the operating table.
  2. Surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen and inserts a camera and instruments through these ports to perform the surgery.
  3. Surgery is completed with minimal blood loss and tissue trauma compared to traditional open surgery.

After laparoscopic surgery:

  1. Patient is monitored in the recovery room before being transferred to a hospital room or discharged home.
  2. Patient may experience some discomfort, bloating, and soreness at the incision sites.
  3. Patient is advised on post-operative care, including restrictions on activities, pain management, and diet.
  4. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the patient’s recovery and address any concerns or complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with laparoscopic surgery?

  2. How long is the recovery time for laparoscopic surgery compared to traditional open surgery?

  3. Will I need to stay overnight in the hospital after the surgery?

  4. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?

  5. How experienced is the surgical team in performing laparoscopic procedures?

  6. How many laparoscopic surgeries have you performed, and what is your success rate?

  7. What type of follow-up care will be needed after the surgery?

  8. Are there any specific dietary or lifestyle changes I should make before or after the surgery?

  9. How long will the effects of the surgery last, and will I need any additional procedures in the future?

  10. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before deciding on laparoscopic surgery?

Reference

Authors: Huhn JC. Journal: Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2016 Jan;46(1):13-29. doi: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2015.08.005. PMID: 26604154