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Minimally Invasive Spaying
Laparoscopic Spay / Lap Spay |
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At Coppell Veterinary Hospital we perform a minimally invasive spaying procedure, also known as Laparoscopic Ovariectomy. It differs from typical spaying procedures. Following is some information about the procedure. |
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| Traditional Spays |
In traditional spays, a 2”-3” incision is made in the abdomen through which the ovarian ligament is torn from the abdominal wall. This tearing causes bruising to the abdominal wall and postoperative pain. By performing the procedure laparoscopically the patient experiences less trauma and 65% less pain. |
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| Laparoscopic Spays |
In laparoscopic spays the procedure is performed through two or three small incisions in the abdomen, typically 3/16” in size depending on the size of the animal. With the laparoscope we are able to perform the surgery with magnified views of the organs, allowing for greater precision. The ovarian ligament is carefully cauterized and when appropriately sealed, cut, rather than torn. With laparoscopic spays we are able to offer our patients reduced pain, minimal recovery time and less trauma than with traditional spays. |
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| What is Laparoscopy |
Laparoscopy is minimally invasive technique for viewing the internal structures of the abdomen. A laparoscope (camera) inserted through a small incision in the abdomen magnifies internal structures of the abdomen on a TV monitor for thorough examination. Additional small incisions are made to facilitate the use of surgical instruments. The most common application of laparoscopy in veterinary medicine is biopsy. In human medicine, many surgical procedures are done in this manner, for example, gall bladder removal. In recent years, laparoscopy has been adopted to offer a less traumatic and 65% less painful alternative to traditional spays. |
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| Advantages of Laparoscopic Spays over Traditional Surgery |
- 65% LESS PAINFUL THAN TRADITIONAL SPAY
- Smaller incisions are less painful and reduce recovery time
- Controlled cuts eliminate pain and bruising caused by tearing tissue in traditional spays
- Fewer complications
- Allows for excellent visualization of abdominal organs
- Entire surgery performed through a few tiny incisions rather than a large abdominal opening
- In large breed dogs, gastropexy can be performed at the time of spay.
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| Ovariectomy (OVE) vs. Ovariohysterectomy (OVH) |
A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Surgery in 2006 compared ovariectomy (removal of the ovaries) to ovariohysterectomy (removal of the ovaries and uterus). The study conclusions were as follows: “OVH is technically more complicated, time consuming, and is probably associated with greater morbidity (larger incision, more intraoperative trauma, increased discomfort) compared with OVE. No significant differences between techniques were observed for incidence of long term urogenital problems, including endometritis/pyometra and urinary incontinence, making OVE the preferred method of gonadectomy in the healthy bitch.” The study stated the clinical relevance being “Canine OVE can replace OVH as the procedure of choice for routine neutering of healthy female dogs.”
Ovariectomy has the been procedure of choice in Europe for several decades. With the published data available to veterinarians in the United States, Coppell Veterinary Hospital is adopting the study recommendations. Study findings reveal OVE will cause less trauma for our patients by eliminating the need to remove the uterus and the trauma involved in that process.
The ovariectomy procedure is even less traumatic to your pet when done laparoscopically. They will be able to go home the same day and return to normal activities sooner than in the past. Although the procedure is less painful than traditional surgery, your pet will have discomfort. We practice multi-modal pain relief and your pet will receive appropriate pain relief before, during and after their procedure.
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| Checklist of What to Ask |
In order to help people make informed decisions, we have created a chart that details what our procedures involve. Unfortunately, similar sounding procedures are frequently not the same at different veterinary hospitals. This chart can be used to better compare our procedures with those of other facilities.
Click here to download the brochure with the checklist.
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