Skip Navigation

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) involves surgical procedures that are performed using small incisions through the skin into a body cavity (such as the abdomen, chest or joint). A camera is utilized to both visualize and magnify the area being treated. Specialized instruments and a camera are put through small incisions or portals to perform the surgery without a large incision. Smaller incisions cause less pain and allow your pet to be more comfortable after surgery.

Some refer to surgery using cameras in body cavities as 'endoscopic' surgery. MIS involves scope, cannulae, insufflation, monitor, image capturing system and MIS instruments.

  • "Laparoscopy" involves surgery with a camera in the abdominal cavity (for procedures such as liver biopsies and ovariectomies).
  • "Laparoscopy-assisted" surgeries are performed with the camera and portals but a slightly larger incision is used (usually 2-4 centimeters) to assist with the procedure while avoiding a full 'open' approach (for procedures such as gastropexies and ovariohysterectomies).
  • "Thoracoscopy" involves surgery with a camera in the chest cavity (for procedures such as lung biopsy, pericardial window and thoracic duct ligation).
  • "Arthroscopy" involves surgery with a camera in a specific joint (for procedures such as ACL and meninscal tears or elbow dysplasia).

Learn More

 

Other Minimally Invasive Options at Texas A & M