In keyhole surgery, a small camera and special instruments are passed in through small openings in the abdominal wall. The camera shows a magnified image of the organs on a screen, which lets the surgeon work with a good overview and precision. During the operation the abdomen is gently filled with carbon dioxide to create room to work.
One of the most common uses is laparoscopic spaying of female dogs, where the ovaries are removed through small incisions. The method can also be used, for example, to take biopsies from organs in the abdomen and to remove a retained testicle in cryptorchidism. Which procedures can be done laparoscopically is always decided by the animal's condition and the operation it needs.
Compared with traditional open abdominal surgery, keyhole surgery can mean smaller surgical wounds and less tissue trauma. Studies in female dogs also show that laparoscopic spaying can cause less pain in the early period after the operation. Many animals recover quickly, but they still need rest, wound checks and individually adapted pain relief after the procedure.
Keyhole surgery is not suitable for every patient. In some emergencies, with extensive changes in the abdomen, or when the surgeon needs more access, open surgery can be a better and safer option. In some cases an operation that starts as keyhole surgery may also need to be converted to open surgery.
All procedures are performed under general anaesthesia, with monitoring of heart rate, breathing, blood pressure and oxygen levels, among other things. Before the operation the animal is examined and, if needed, blood tests or other diagnostics are carried out.