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Minimally Invasive Procedures (Keyhole surgery) – Optimising Recovery with Enhanced Precision

At Northwest Veterinary Specialists, we combine advanced equipment with extensive clinical expertise to offer a wide range of minimally invasive and interventional procedures. Laparoscopic (abdominal) and thoracoscopic (thoracic) surgery use small instruments, typically around 5 mm in diameter, guided by specialised cameras and scopes. This technology provides a clear, magnified view of internal structures, allowing our surgeons to work with precision while avoiding the need for large incisions.

What are the benefits?

For patients, these “keyhole” techniques are associated with reduced postoperative pain, quicker recovery, and an earlier return to normal activity. For referring vets, they offer a less invasive option that can be particularly valuable in geriatric or clinically fragile patients. Minimally invasive approaches can also be used to obtain diagnostic information, such as organ biopsies, where open surgery may carry increased risk and larger incisions. Smaller incisions often heal more quickly and are linked with a lower rate of postoperative complications and infections. Many procedures are also shorter in duration, meaning patients are frequently able to return home sooner than after comparable open surgery.

What procedures can be performed using this technique?

Interventional surgery continues to evolve rapidly and now allows many conditions to be treated more effectively and with less risk than was previously possible. Northwest Veterinary Specialists is proud to be at the forefront of this field, providing access to advanced techniques that are not routinely available elsewhere in the UK. These include:

  • Ovariectomy
  • Ovariohysterectomy (including pyometra)
  • Ovarian remnant removal
  • Cryptorchid castration (retained abdominal testicles)
  • Gastropexy (to reduce the risk of gastric dilatation–volvulus in predisposed patients) – can be combined with neutering
  • Organ biopsy
  • Cholecystectomy
  • Adrenalectomy
  • Cystotomy
  • Nephrectomy
  • Splenectomy
  • Hernia repair
  • Mediastinal mass resection
  • Thoracic duct ligation and cisterna chyli ablation (chylothorax)
  • Persistent right aortic arch (PRAA) ligation
  • Porto-azygos extra-hepatic shunt
  • Lung lobe biopsy and resection
  • Tumour staging, including lymph node removal
  • Sinusoscopy / video-assisted sinusal Aspergillosis treatment following trephination

In every case, our focus is on achieving the best possible outcome for each patient. Decisions regarding minimally invasive procedures are discussed fully by our specialist team to ensure the most appropriate approach is taken.

Referring veterinary professionals can submit an advice request to discuss suitable options, and our team will contact them directly.

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If you are a veterinary professional and would like to make a referral, or require pre-referral advice about a patient, please use the online forms.

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