Laparoscopy and Minimally Invasive Surgery
We have over 10 years experience integrating laparoscopy and minimally invasive surgery techniques into the daily surgical needs of our patients. Through the use of laparoscopy, many procedures can be performed through small ports (5 mm to 10 mm in size) resulting in less tissue trauma and manipulation, less pain, and faster recovery.
Interested in learning more about the types of laparoscopic procedures we perform?
Laparoscopic Spay
At Pikesville Animal Hospital, we perform laparoscopic spays on all of our patients–from the largest dog to the smallest cat–on a daily basis. The ovaries are removed typically using either a single 10 mm port or two 5 mm ports and specialized electrosurgical equipment. The smaller incisions and reduced tissue manipulation result in less pain, faster healing, and a more rapid return to normal activity. Non-client patients are always welcome.
Laparoscopic Ovarian Remnant Removal
Laparoscopy offers unique benefits in patients that have Ovarian Remnant Syndrome (a piece of ovary persisting after a spay surgery). In addition to the small incision (5 mm or 10 mm ports), laparoscopy allows enhanced visualization of the areas of interest without tissue manipulation. The use of electrosurgical equipment allows for dissection and retrieval of the ovarian remnant with minimal trauma to the patient. The smaller incisions and reduced tissue manipulation result in less pain, faster healing, and a more rapid return to normal activity. Non-client patients are always welcome.
Laparoscopic Gastropexy
Gastropexy for the prevention of Gastric Dilatation Volvulus or Bloat can be performed with multiple laparoscopic techniques. At Pikesville Animal Hospital, we use a fully intracorporeal technique that requires only three small ports (two 5 mm and one 10 mm), a dramatic improvement over the traditional open procedure. This technique is the least invasive and results in the fastest recovery and healing. This procedure can be done as a stand alone procedure or simultaneously with a spay or neuter. The smaller incisions and reduced tissue manipulation result in less pain, faster healing, and a more rapid return to normal activity. Non-client patients are always welcome.
Laparoscopic Cryptorchid Testicular Removal
Laparoscopy offers unique benefits in patients with abdominal cryptorchidism (a retained testicle in the abdomen). In addition to the small incision (5 mm or 10 mm ports), laparoscopy allows enhanced visualization of the areas of interest without tissue manipulation. The use of electrosurgical equipment allows for dissection and retrieval of the retained testicle with minimal trauma to the patient. The smaller incisions and reduced tissue manipulation result in less pain, faster healing, and a more rapid return to normal activity. Non-client patients are always welcome.
Laparoscopic Liver Biopsy
Biopsy of the liver is oftentimes the only way to identify the cause of elevated liver values and determine the best treatment options. Traditionally, open surgery was needed to access the liver tissue. At Pikesville Animal Hospital, we routinely use the laparoscope to visually evaluate the liver and procure diagnostic samples. Typically performed using two 5 mm ports, patients benefit from faster healing, less pain, minimal complications, and a more rapid return to normal activity. Non-client patients are always welcome.
Minimally Invasive Urinary Bladder Stone Removal
Urinary bladder stones come in many shapes, sizes, quantities and mineral makeup. These factors combined with the variation in patient size have resulted in the development of several minimally invasive techniques to resolve urinary bladder stones. At Pikesville Animal Hospital, we utilize multiple techniques when appropriate to resolve bladder calculi including voiding urohydropulsion and percutaneous cystolithotomy.