Written by Heather Larson
If you’re looking for a minimally invasive alternative to traditional spaying, laparoscopic surgery may be right for your female dog or cat.
Traditional spaying usually involves removing both the ovaries and uterus, which is considered an ovariohysterectomy. In contrast, laparoscopic spaying usually involves just removing the ovaries (oophorectomy). This means that the surgeon can make smaller incisions on the patient.
The end result of both surgeries is the same: sterilization, says board-certified veterinary surgeon Dr. Mark Hershenson.
Laparoscopic surgery is gaining popularity in veterinary medicine. We asked experts to explain how this procedure works and whether it’s safer than traditional birth control.
Laparoscopic contraceptive method
Dr. Hershenson, who performs the procedure at Triangle Veterinary Referral Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, says, “The procedure varies slightly depending on the surgeon, but it involves making one to three small incisions along the abdominal wall.” . “Through these small incisions, the surgeon places ports that allow entry for cameras and instruments.”
Dr. John Adam, owner and president of Imperial Highway Animal Clinic in Southern California, added that the patient’s abdomen is filled with CO2 gas for visual clarity.
The camera sends a digital image to a screen in the operating room, giving a complete view of the entire abdomen and all organs, Hershenson explains. After the blood vessels are sealed, the ovary is cut transversely and removed. The surgeon’s hands never enter the abdomen.
Safety of laparoscopic surgery and conventional contraception
Although veterinary experts agree on the benefits of laparoscopic spaying, they have differing views on which method provides the best protection for patients. Adam says laparoscopic spaying remains the safest because there is less trauma to tissue, less risk of infection and less bleeding.
Hershenson said laparoscopic spaying is neither safer nor more dangerous than traditional spaying. The difference is due to the surgeon’s practices regarding one or the other procedure.
“The more experience a surgeon has in laparoscopic surgery and open surgery, the more [traditional] Spaying can often be performed safely and in an efficient manner with minimal anesthesia and procedure time,” says Hershenson. “Laparoscopic surgeons always discuss with pet owners the possibility of needing to convert to open surgery if complications such as poor vision, equipment failure, or uncontrolled bleeding occur.”
Dr. Paul Hodges, owner of Minimally Invasive Procedures in Toronto, says traditional spaying is considered very safe when performed by qualified personnel. But laparoscopic sterilization may be considered safer because it uses electrocautery to seal blood vessels before cutting them, he said. Once the blood vessels are sealed in this way, the chance of bleeding in the future is very low. However, with traditional spaying, blood vessels are tied with sutures, which can loosen or slip.
Advantages of laparoscopic surgery
Studies have shown that animals undergoing laparoscopic surgery experience 65 percent less pain than traditional spaying, Hodges said. Surgery time is also shorter and there is less bleeding. Because the incision is small, recovery time is typically half the time compared to the post-operative time frame for open spaying. Recovery includes faster wound and skin healing and a faster return to normal activities.
“In humans, advances in minimally invasive procedures have revolutionized the approach to medical therapy regarding patient comfort and recovery,” Hershenson says. “Laparoscopic spaying is a minimally invasive procedure, and veterinarians can now offer the same benefits to our dogs and cats.”
Adam agreed, noting that clients see the value of minimally invasive procedures for themselves and are therefore creating demand for it for their pets as well. He predicts that traditional birth control will soon become obsolete.
However, not all female dogs and cats need this new procedure. Unsuitable candidates include very small patients who require small ports, cameras and instruments to perform the surgery safely, Hershenson said. Additionally, if your pet has an infection or cancer in the uterus that requires removal, a traditional open approach is necessary.
If your pet is actively in heat, many veterinarians like Hodges won’t spay you with either method, instead waiting until your dog is out of heat to reduce the chance of bleeding and other complications. I prefer
Laparoscopic surgery cost
Laparoscopic surgery is usually more expensive than traditional spaying. Because it requires special equipment and maintenance. Adam says the extra cost is well worth it.
Hodges added, “The increased costs also include the additional training and expertise required for veterinarians to become proficient in performing laparoscopy. Just as it varies by hospital and geographic location, the cost of laparoscopic spaying can also vary slightly from hospital to hospital.”
As a referring surgeon, Dr. Hershenson always encourages pet owners to discuss the pros and cons of each neutering procedure with their physician. Asking questions will help you make informed decisions for your pet and your family.
Hodges said laparoscopy is considered the gold standard in human medicine. Physicians almost always choose to perform procedures with a scope if one is available. The use of a scope is very attractive because it reduces healing time and significantly reduces postoperative discomfort and pain.
“In veterinary medicine, clients consider their pets to be part of the family, and they want their pets to receive the same level of care that they want other family members to receive,” Hodges says. he concludes.
