Dr. John Griffiths - Advancements in Spay/Neuter Techniques

While Dr. Fred has been giving talks for Idexx, trashing hotel rooms and hanging out with REO Speedwagon, Dr. John has been busy writing magazine articles for magazines like Keeshonden Magazine. His latest artice appears in the January-February 2006 issue. The following is an excerpt from that article. To download a pdf of the entire article, click on the link at the bottom of this page.

Over the last several years significant advancements have been made in the safety and technical aspects of small animal surgery. Two such examples include the use of laparoscopes and the use of laser surgery to perform many of the routine procedures veterinarians encounter on a daily basis such as ovariohysterectomies and castrations. Laparoscopic and laser surgery has been available for quite some time in human medicine and now animals can benefit from their many advantages.

The basic principles for spay/neuter surgeries is not changed with the use of Initial incision being made for insertion of insufflation tube these techniques and instruments. What has changed, (much to the benefit of pet and owner), is the amount of pain and discomfort the pet must endure. This important aspect makes these procedures especially vital as veterinary medicine strives to provide the best possible care for our pets.

Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic derives its meaning from two Greek words. The first is lapara, which means “the soft parts of the body between the rib margins and hips”. The second word is skopen which means “to see or view”. These words are self explanatory as they describe, “viewing the abdominal cavity”. Laparoscopy is simply a minimally invasive technique for viewing the internal structures of the abdominal cavity. It involves the use of a laparoscope (camera) inserted into the abdomen. This allows the veterinarian to view abdominal organs on a monitor. Applications for this procedure are numerous. The most common use is to obtain liver biopsies. The use of laparoscopes for performing an ovariohysterectomy (spay) is relatively new requiring special training and surgical expertise.

Preparing your pet for a laparoscopic spay procedure is no different than preparation made for a traditional spay. Your pet should be fasted for 12 hours prior to surgery and preoperative blood work should be obtained. All laparoscopic spays are performed under general anesthesia.

Advantages of laparoscopy are as follows:

(1) Laparoscopy is simple to perform and involves very few complications;

(2) Laparoscopy allows for excellent visualization of abdominal organs;

(3) Smaller incisions are less painful and heal more easily.

Advantages of Laser Surgery

(1) Less Bleeding/Hemostasis;
The laser seals blood vessels as it cuts. Because of less bleeding, your veterinarian will have better visualization of the surgery site and anesthesia time for your pet may be reduced.

(2) Less Pain:
The carbon dioxide laser seals nerve endings as it cuts. Without an exposed nerve ending, the patient recovers more quickly because of less pain.

(3) Less Swelling
Because only a beam of light touches tissue, there is no crushing, tearing, or bruising of tissue. The laser also seals lymphatic vessels reducing inflammatory response and swelling. Spay and neuters are being increasingly performed with the use of lasers. There can be significantly improved recovery times due to less pain, bleeding, and swelling.

Summary

The use of laparoscopy and lasers in small animal spay/neuter procedures is quickly becoming more commonplace. Once available only for people, animals are now benefiting from the many advantages of these techniques. The most important of these advantages being a safer and less painful surgical experience.

Download the full article (warning: contains surgery pictures) here.