Keyhole Surgery

Keyhole surgery – also known as laparoscopy or minimally invasive surgery – has been widely used in human medicine since 1987. In veterinary medicine, this operating technique is relatively new but developing rapidly. 

 

 

The term ‘keyhole’ comes from the small incision that is made to allow a rigid endoscopic camera and laparoscopic instruments to enter through. The operation is performed by a veterinary surgeon who watches what they are doing via magnified images on a monitor. 

There are few veterinary surgeons in the UK that can perform this specialised surgery. However, at Newnham Court Vets we are proud to have surgeons who are fully qualified to conduct this procedure.

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There are a number of benefits of keyhole surgery compared to conventional surgery. They include:

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•   A faster recovery time

•   Reduced post-operative pain

•   Reduced incision size

•   Reduced stress/trauma

•   An increased magnification and    visualisation of the surgical field

•  Less risk of haemorrhage (bleeding) and  wound breakdown

•  Reduced infection risk​

• Keyhole surgery can be used for a number of purposes including:

• Laparoscopic surgery (looking inside the abdomen) – For example, removal of the ovaries (keyhole spay), cryptorchid castration (where there is a testicle retained in the abdomen), diagnostic biopsies of the liver, pancreas, kidneys, intestines and any masses.

• Cystoscopy – Looking inside the bladder to take biopsies or retrieve stones for example

• Prophylactic gastropexy – Suturing the stomach to the abdominal wall to prevent stomach torsion in dog breeds prone to GDV.

• Thoracic surgery* (to look inside the chest) – For example to take a lung lobe biopsy, or perform a Pericardiectomy; the removal of the pericardial sac.

• Arthroscopy (looking inside the joints) – This allows us to examine and treat cartilage problems in the shoulders, elbows and stifles.

 

*One of the greatest advantages of keyhole surgery is the ability to enter the thorax without producing a large and painful post-operative wound. This operating technique is called Thoracoscopy or Keyhole Thoracic Surgery. The recovery period after this type of surgery is far shorter than that of a conventional procedure. 

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At Newnham Court Vets we are firm believers that this minimally invasive approach towards surgery is the way forward in offering the best possible care for animals. 

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If you would like more information about keyhole surgery please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the health of your pet. 

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To have your pet treated by the practice that has been caring for animals for 100 years, get in touch. You can call us on 01622 734555. Alternatively, send us an email at reception@newnhamvets.com. For out of hours animal care call our emergency service on 01622 734054.