Minimally Invasive Procedures

Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopy involves the placement of a port, usually 5 mm in diameter, into the abdomen to allow insertion of a camera (laparoscope). The camera is used to visualize the contents of the abdominal cavity. Typically, one or two additional ports are placed to allow insertion of instruments, such as a probe or biopsy forceps. These ports are even smaller than the initial port. At Associated Veterinary Specialists, we perform laparoscopy to further evaluate the liver and obtain liver biopsies. 

Many animals suffer from liver disease, and frequently a specific diagnosis cannot be attained until a liver biopsy is performed.  Traditionally, a liver biopsy is obtained in a manner that involves a large incision to expose the organ for biopsy. Using laparoscopy however, the liver can be visualized and samples can be taken for biopsy and other tests to obtain a specific diagnosis. 

Documented advantages of laparoscopy in people include decreased pain, hospitalization, faster return to function, improved cosmesis, lower infection rates, and improved visualization and magnification. In veterinary medicine, multiple studies found that dogs that were spayed laparoscopically were less painful than those spayed in the traditional open method.  Anecdotally, our patients that have a laparoscopic liver biopsy seem to recover quicker and have less pain associated with their incision site.  

Minimally Invasive Urinary