At the Monroe Animal Hospital, we are excited to offer the option of spaying your dog laparoscopically with Dr. Benjamin Staiger, a mobile surgical specialist. This procedure results in less pain, smaller incisions, decreased post-operative inflammation, little to no bleeding and faster recovery for your pet, and is similar to the procedures performed in people. Laparoscopic Spay, a gold standard, until recently has only been available at primarily specialty hospitals.

WHAT: Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure in which a camera (laparoscope) and instruments are introduced into the abdominal cavity through tiny incisions. It allows a veterinarian to see inside the abdomen without having to make a large cut.

HOW: During a laparoscopic spay the ovaries are removed through three small incisions in which the surgeon places ports allowing the entrance of the camera and instrumentation. The patient’s abdomen is filled with sterile CO2 gas for better visualization. The camera transmits a digital image to a screen in the operating room, allowing full view of the entire abdomen and all organs. After the blood vessels are sealed, the ovaries are transected (cut across) and removed. The surgeon’s hands never enter the abdomen and minimal to no bleeding results.

Left photo shows ovary and uterus.

Right photo shows ovary being transected.