Laparoscopy: Laparoscopy is a scope procedure of the abdomen which is a type of minimally invasive surgery. These surgeries provide a higher level of comfort when compared to many traditional procedures. Laparoscopes use a telescoping rod and lenses that are attached to a camera and lights to view inside the body cavity. The best benefit to laparoscopic surgery is that surgeons can utilize much smaller incisions, meaning that your pet will experience less pain and discomfort. We have better visualization of the internal organs and reduce chances of hemorrhage when laparoscopes are used. Laparoscopic surgery is used for surgeries like routine spay surgeries, internal organ biopsies and Gastropexy which helps prevent “bloat” in large breed dogs. Bloat or gastric torsion can be prevented by prophylactic surgery called Gastropexy using the endoscope to bring the stomach to the abdominal wall. This allows the surgeon to suture the stomach to the wall, which prevents any turning of the stomach within the abdominal cavity.
Rhinoscopy: (Nose Scope) allows visualization of the nasal cavity by use of a small, rigid endoscope. A general anesthetic is required for this procedure. Masses, foreign bodies, infection and the general characteristics of the nasal mucosa can be seen with rhinoscopy. If a mass is identified we can obtain a sample with a biopsy forceps or if a foreign body is seen we can remove it with a grasping forceps. Tissue biopsies obtained are submitted to a veterinary pathologist for histological evaluation to identify the growth.
Bronchoscopy: Flexible endoscopy is used to visualize the upper and lower respiratory tract. Laryngoscopy is indicated for evaluation of the larynx. Tracheobronchoscopy is a procedure that allows direct visualization of the lumen and mucosa of the respiratory tree. Tracheobronchoscopy is a therapeutic intervention in cases of foreign body or aspirated material. It is also useful in obtaining samples for culture to identify harmful respiratory infections. Laryngoscopy is indicated to evaluate the larynx when there is a voice change or difficult inspiration with exercise intolerance as a symptom.
Gastroscopy: Gastroscopy or endoscopy is used to diagnose problems of the stomach and upper intestine. Symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal pain, weight loss, and swelling can require an endoscopy exam of the stomach. Foreign bodies can be removed from the esophagus and stomach with a flexible endoscope. Ulcers can be diagnosed and other conditions can also be diagnosed by taking biopsy samples for evaluation.
Cystoscopy: Cystoscopy if performed via a small abdominal incision to retract the urinary bladder to the exterior of the abdominal wall through the incision. A small incision is made into the bladder for the rigid endoscope entrance into the bladder to examine the bladder wall for abnormalities and to search the cavity for stones or uroliths. These stones can be removed with forceps placed through the working channel of the rigid endoscope.
Colonoscopy: Colonoscopy is performed with a flexible endoscope and is used to examine the large intestines. The rectum, colon, cecum and ileocecal valve are examined. Colonoscopy is performed after radiographs (X-rays) and abdominal ultrasound if necessary to evaluate patients with weight loss or diarrhea. Endoscopy can diagnose inflammation, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, or tumors. There can be no fecal content present that would obscure the view. The patient must have food withheld for 24-48 hours and have a oral cathartic the night before the procedure to remove intestinal contents. An enema or lavage is given prior to surgery in an attempt to further cleanse the colon. Biopsies are routinely taken to diagnose diseases.
Video Otoscopy Myringotomy: Video Otoscopy has many diagnostic and surgical uses in the ear. Foreign bodies can be removed and the ear canal can be cleansed with graspers and a flush suction machine via a 5 French catheter. If there is fluid behind the tympanic membrane that cannot be dissipated by use of antibiotics, the otoscope can aid in its removal. Myringotomies are performed by passing a sharp catheter through the scope to penetrate the tympanic membrane. A soft catheter can be inserted through the controlled puncture to remove fluid for bacterial culture and sensitivity and remove the fluid. The incision will heal within 2 -3 weeks.