Minimally invasive surgery
What is minimally invasive surgery?
Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS), incorporating the expertise of a vet surgeon, is camera assisted surgery that allows smaller incisions compared to conventional surgery. The goal is to minimise pain and morbidity and promote more rapid patient recovery. In veterinary medicine, MIS is both popular and effective. Small diameter telescopes (range approximately 2-10mm in size) connected to high definition cameras and monitors are utilised to achieve outstanding intraoperative images. Dedicated small instrument portals allow access for specialized instrumentation to facilitate tissue biopsy and therapeutic procedures.
Arthroscopic (joint), Laparoscopic (abdomen) and Thoracoscopic (chest) procedures are all routinely performed at GARS. Please do not hesitate to enquire if these procedures could be used to help your pet. Discover our veterinary specialist services to explore minimally invasive surgical solutions.
Arthroscopy procedures performed by GARS
Arthroscopy involves insertion of a small (1.9-2.7mm in diameter) telescope, into various joints of the front or hind limbs. For pets requiring such advanced procedures, seeking care from an animal surgeon can ensure optimal treatment outcomes.
Arthroscopy epitomises ‘minimally invasive surgery’. Arthroscopy offers the advantage of outstanding magnification and illumination, allowing recognition of subtle joint pathology in the tiny joint spaces encountered in small animal patients. Arthroscopy allows the assessment of ligaments, tendons, cartilage and bone and is peerless for achieving a diagnosis for many conditions. In addition to this, many therapeutic procedures can be performed entirely arthroscopically, allowing simultaneous achievement of diagnosis and treatment. The smaller incisions facilitate rapid return to mobility with reduced pain and scarring.
Shoulder
- Ligament replacement
- Tenotomy
- Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) treatment
- Fracture repair
Elbow
- Coronoid pathology diagnosis and treatment
- OCD and UAP pathology diagnosis and treatment
Carpus
- Radial carpal bone fracture
- Ligament injury
Hip
- Dysplasia
Stifle
- Cruciate disease
- Meniscal disease
- OCD
Hock
- OCD
Laparoscopy and thoracoscopy procedures performed by GARS
Many procedures performed on the abdomen and thorax benefit from the use of small telescopes and instrument ports to reduce incision size and patient morbidity compared with traditional open procedures. Magnification and illumination are extremely helpful in the assessment of organs and facilitate accurate diagnosis and optimal tissue sampling.
Gastropexy
Cryptorchid testis removal
Ovariectomy
Liver, pancreatic, intestinal, renal biopsies
Enterotomy
Enterectomy
Pericardial window
Lung biopsy
Lung lobe resection
Persistent Right Aortic Arch
Laparoscopic cystolithotomy (urinary bladder stone removal)