Minimally Invasive Surgery

Services Surgical Services Minimally invasive surgery

What is minimally invasive surgery?

Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) 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 by GARS. Please do not hesitate to enquire if these procedures could be used to help your pet.

Arthroscopy procedures performed by MARS

Arthroscopy involves insertion of a small (1.9-2.7mm in diameter) telescope, into various joints of the front or hind limbs. 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 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

Laparoscopy and thoracoscopy procedures performed by MARS

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.