Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pets in Miami, FL
A quality alternative to traditional surgery for pets
Paws & Claws Medical Center is pleased to offer minimally invasive surgery for pets here in Miami, FL as a possible alternative treatment option to standard, more invasive surgical procedures. Minimally invasive surgery limits the exposure of internal cavities and the manipulation of tissue, which can result in more tissue trauma, discomfort, and a longer healing process post-op. If we can treat your pet less invasively, they will feel much more comfortable after their procedure and will recover more quickly, too.
Minimally invasive surgery isn’t offered everywhere. Our veterinarian has been properly trained in the use of this technology, and we also are very proud to have a modern Karl Storz endoscopy and endo-surgery unit at our facility that we frequently use for procedures in dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, chelonians, and other species.
If you wish to know more about these procedures, please call (786) 361-9344 to schedule an appointment with Dr. de Armas.
What is Involved in Minimally Invasive Surgery?
During a minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgical procedure, we use very small surgical instruments which are guided by a tiny camera to help us visualize the area that needs to be treated. This allows us to make much smaller surgical incisions (in some cases just 1/4 to 1 inch long). With this approach, we can see inside certain areas of the body without having to make a large incision.
The Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pets
Performing minimally invasive laparoscopic surgeries benefits our pet patients in many ways, including:
- Smaller incisions: Unlike traditional surgery, which often requires larger incisions, minimally invasive surgery relies on tiny incisions just large enough to insert a thin tube, small camera, fiber-optic light, and other small surgical tools.
- Less pain: These procedures cause less pain and discomfort for our patients. Studies have shown that patients recovering from minimally invasive surgery experience less pain and do not need the larger doses of pain relievers that are required by pets who have undergone conventional surgery.
- Increased accuracy: Minimally invasive surgery also offers a higher level of accuracy and precision compared to traditional open surgery. Accuracy is improved thanks to the use of a camera and fiber-optic light, which provides our surgeons with a better visualization of the internal organs.
- Shorter hospital stay: In most cases, patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery are able to return home the same day or sooner and return to normal activities sooner.
- Faster recovery: With a smaller incision, fewer stitches are required, and your pet can heal faster and return to their normal life much more quickly.
- Less scarring: Another benefit of having a smaller incision is having less noticeable scarring after the incision has healed.
Procedures We Perform with Minimally Invasive Surgery
Our veterinary surgeon can perform a wide range of procedures using minimally invasive techniques, some of which include:
- Liver biopsy
- Pancreatic biopsy
- Renal biopsy
- Spay (ovariohysterectomy and ovariectomy)
- Cryptorchid castration (retained testicle)
- Prophylactic gastropexy
- Abdominal exploration and intestinal biopsy
- Gastrointestinal foreign body removal
- Adrenalectomy
- Lymph node biopsy
- Cystotomy for biopsies, stone removal, and exploration
- Cholecystectomy and gallbladder bile collection for relief and culture purposes
- Splenectomy
- Avian and reptile endoscopic surgeries and exploratory procedures to the air sacs and coelom (birds, chelonians, and other reptiles)
If you have questions about minimally invasive surgery and how it can benefit your pet, call us at (786) 361-9344.