What is laparoscopic desexing?

Keyhole surgery (or minimally invasive surgery) is an advanced, safe and very gentle method for desexing your dog or cat. This procedure requires only a very small incision and enables the surgeon to perform precision surgery. Keyhole desexing involves the removal of the ovaries only, rather than the uterus and ovaries which is performed during a traditional desexing. Keyhole desexing offers numerous benefits over traditional desexing and is considered globally, to be the gold standard in desexing surgery.

How is it performed?

Once the small incision is made, a high definition camera with a fibre optic light source is inserted into the abdomen. Magnified images viewed on a screen then enable the surgeon to guide specialised instruments through a port and remove the ovaries. Keyhole surgery can also be used to remove the undescended testicles of the male patient, safely and less invasively than the traditional open method.

What are the benefits?

•  COMFORT - The gentlest desexing method. Considerably less pain, during and post operatively. Requires much less aftercare.
• RECOVERY - A rapid return to normal function and activities. Patients require only 2 days rest, as opposed to up to 2 weeks of confinement with the traditional technique.
• SAFETY - Minimally invasive, smaller incisions with minimal blood loss or infection risk.
• MEDICATION - Shorter operative time with less overall anaesthetic. Less need for post operative pain control medication.

What are the risks of surgery?

As with traditional desexing, keyhole desexing involves a general anaesthetic and is a surgical procedure. Both of these procedures have risks associated with them and clients will be made aware of these.

What aftercare is required?

Patients require no additional care as compared to traditional desexing

• 48 hours rest
• 10 days limited activity
• E collar