Services Endoscopy and Laparoscopy
Endoscopy and Laparoscopy (Keyhole Surgery)
Endoscopy
Endoscopy involves using special non-invasive flexible or rigid "tubes" with a digital camera examine and treat various organ systems and medical conditions. Equipped with small endoscopes suited for cats and small mammals, we commonly perform endoscopy for the:
- Nasal passages - essential in all animals with chronic sneezing, nasal discharge, nose bleeds, distortion of the nostrils/nose bridge, or abnormal upper respiratory breathing sounds.
- Gastrointestinal system (oesophagus, stomach, intestines, colon) - essential in all animals with chronic vomiting, diarrhoea/soft stools, blood in stools.
- Ears (outer and middle ear, ear drum) - essential in all animals with chronic/recurring ear infections to thoroughly flush out the ear canal, remove any foreign material that may be causing infection, and diagnose canal narrowing, tumours or other structural abnormalities.
- Lower urinary system (urethra, bladder) - for animals with chronic urinary signs (e.g. straining to urinate, blood in urine), to aid in diagnosis and removal of stones, tumours and chronic UTI (including biopsy/culture)
- Rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas - dental and aural (ear) conditions.
Laparoscopy (Keyhole Surgery)
What is laparoscopy?
Laparoscopy, or keyhole surgery, involves performing surgery using small video cameras and fine instruments via tiny incisions.
Laparoscopy is common place in human surgery, and is usually the preferred option for surgery when possible.
Laparoscopy is common place in human surgery, and is usually the preferred option for surgery when possible.
What are the advantages of laparoscopy?
Greatly reduced risk of wound dehiscence and infection due to much smaller wound size
Less painful than standard surgery by 65-75%
Faster return to normal activity within 2 days, compared with 2 to 3 weeks of strict rest after normal abdominal surgery
Less painful than standard surgery by 65-75%
Faster return to normal activity within 2 days, compared with 2 to 3 weeks of strict rest after normal abdominal surgery
When is laparosocopy indicated?
- Spay
- Neuter for undescended abdominal testicle
- Biopsies (liver, lymph node, kidney, gastro-intestinal, pancreas)
- Bladder stone removal
- Simple gastrointestinal foreign body obstruction
How different is a laparoscopic spay from a standard spay?
In a standard spay, an incision is made to the abdomen wide enough to remove the ovaries and uterus. The incision is then closed in 3 layers with sutures.
In a laparoscopic spay, 2 to 3 tiny incisions of about 1 cm each are made in the abdomen to allow the passage of a special video camera and instruments. Only the ovaries are removed. The small incisions are closed with sutures.
In a laparoscopic spay, 2 to 3 tiny incisions of about 1 cm each are made in the abdomen to allow the passage of a special video camera and instruments. Only the ovaries are removed. The small incisions are closed with sutures.
Where can I go to for laparoscopic spays?
Amber Cat Vet provides laparoscopy for spays and other surgeries. Please contact us to find out more or to arrange an appointment.