Common Questions About Laparoscopic Surgery

If you’ve started researching laparoscopic surgery for your dog, you’ve probably found a lot of information – and even more questions.

At Summit Veterinary Care, we want pet owners to feel comfortable asking questions and understanding their options. Here are some of the questions we hear most often about laparoscopic surgery.

What is laparoscopic surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses a small camera and specialized instruments to perform certain procedures through small incisions.

The camera provides a magnified view of the abdomen, allowing the veterinary team to see the surgical area while working through the smaller openings.

What laparoscopic procedures does Summit offer?

At Summit Veterinary Care, we currently offer laparoscopic spay (ovariectomy) for dogs weighing 25 to 50 pounds and laparoscopic liver biopsy for appropriate patients.

We do not currently perform laparoscopic surgery on dogs under 25 pounds, over 50 pounds, or on cats.

Is a laparoscopic spay the same as a traditional spay?

Both procedures sterilize a female dog and prevent pregnancy, but the surgical approaches are different.

Our laparoscopic spay is an ovariectomy, meaning the ovaries are removed while the uterus is left in place. It is performed through small incisions using a laparoscopic camera and specialized instruments.

A traditional spay may use a larger abdominal incision and can involve removal of both the ovaries and uterus.

We cover the differences between an ovariectomy and ovariohysterectomy in more detail in our blog about those two procedures.

What are the benefits of laparoscopic surgery?

Because laparoscopic surgery uses smaller incisions, potential benefits can include less tissue disruption, less postoperative discomfort, and a potentially easier recovery.

The laparoscopic camera also provides a magnified view of the surgical area.

However, every procedure and every patient is different. Laparoscopic surgery isn’t automatically the best choice for every pet.

Will my dog still need anesthesia?

Yes. Laparoscopic surgery is still surgery, so general anesthesia is required.

Before any procedure, your veterinary team will evaluate your dog’s health and discuss appropriate pre-anesthetic testing and monitoring.

How long does recovery take?

Recovery varies depending on the procedure and the individual dog.

While the smaller incisions associated with laparoscopic surgery may allow for a more comfortable recovery, your dog will still need to follow activity restrictions and other postoperative instructions.

Even if your dog feels great, she may need to take it easy for a while. We know that’s sometimes easier said than done!

Is laparoscopic surgery safer than traditional surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery has potential benefits, but no surgical procedure is completely without risk.

Whether laparoscopic surgery is appropriate depends on your pet’s health, the procedure being performed, and other individual factors. That’s why we require an exam and consultation before scheduling any laparoscopic surgery.

Our team will discuss the benefits, risks, alternatives, and what we recommend for your particular pet.

Can my dog have laparoscopic surgery without an appointment first?

No. Every pet must have an exam and consultation at Summit Veterinary Care before surgery.

This allows our veterinary team to evaluate your pet and determine whether laparoscopic surgery is appropriate.

For laparoscopic spay, your dog must weigh 25 to 50 pounds. Dogs under 25 pounds and cats are not currently candidates for our laparoscopic surgical services.

What is a laparoscopic liver biopsy?

A laparoscopic liver biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure used to collect small samples of liver tissue.

A tiny camera allows the veterinary team to visualize the liver and surrounding organs, while specialized instruments are used to collect tissue samples. The samples are then sent to a veterinary pathologist for evaluation.

A biopsy may help your veterinarian better understand unexplained liver abnormalities and determine appropriate next steps.

What should I do if I think my dog is a candidate?

The best place to start is with an exam and consultation at Summit Veterinary Care.

Bring us your questions; we’re happy to talk through the procedure, explain your options, and help you understand what to expect.

At Summit, we believe advanced veterinary medicine should never mean complicated communication. You deserve to know what’s happening with your pet and why we’re recommending a particular approach.

Have more questions about laparoscopic surgery? Contact Summit Veterinary Care to schedule a consultation at 571-248-1175.