Laparoscopy and Thoracoscopy: Procedures in Small Animal Endoscopy

Laparoscopy

Intestinal Feeding Tube Placement
Duodenostomy or jejunostomy feeding tubes can be placed using the laparoscope simply by exteriorizing a respective piece of intestine through the abdominal wall and inserting the tube externally.

Gastrostomy Feeding Tube Placement
A gastrostomy feeding tube can be placed using the laparoscopy by simply by exteriorizing the body of the stomach through the left abdominal wall and then inserting the tube externally.

Gastropexy
A preventive gastropexy can be performed using the laparoscope simply by exteriorizing the pyloric antrum region of the stomach through the right abdominal wall. The animal is placed in dorsal recumbency and the telescope portal is placed on the midline at the level of the umbilicus.

Ovariohysterectomy/Ovariectomy
Ovariohysterectomy/Ovariectomy can be performed using laparoscopy in most all medium and large size dogs. The space in the abdominal cavity of small dogs and cats make the procedure technically very difficult. The advantage of this technique is the perceived rapid patient recovery following the procedure.
The ovariohysterectomy/Ovariectomy can be performed in either lateral recumbency or dorsal recumbency. Lateral recumbency requires repositioning the patient for the second ovarian pedicle and moving the equipment to maintain the alignment for the operator viewing the monitor located at the end of the table behind the rear legs. When the dog is placed in dorsal recumbency both ovarian pedicles can be visualized without moving either the patient or the monitor.

Cryptorchid Surgery
A testicle that is located in the abdominal cavity can be removed easily with laparoscopy. This is ther ecommended technique to perform this type of operation because it is simple, fast and less risk of mistake during the procedure. Laparoscopic vasectomy can also be performed through this technique.

Gastric Foreign Body Removal
Gastric foreign bodies that cannot be removed with gastroscopy should be accessed for removal with minimally invasive laparoscopic technique.