Laparoscopic ovariectomy in small animals

摘要

Ovariectomy and ovariohysterectomy are the two most commonly used techniques for sterilisation of female small animals. In the past decade, there has been a trend towards using minimally invasive techniques in small animal surgery, and laparoscopic ovariectomy (LapOVE) has emerged as one of the most common clinical applications of laparoscopy in small animals. LapOVE offers several advantages over the open method conducted through the median coeliotomy, including reduced postoperative pain, faster recovery and less patient immobilisation. Important advantages for the operator include magnification and better visualisation of the surgical field, which increase the procedure's safety. However, high costs for the laparoscopic equipment and a rather steep learning curve may be discouraging to many veterinarians. This article outlines the most relevant aspects of LapOVE for clinical application in small animal surgery.