Oklahoma Laparoscopic Surgery for Pets: Elevating Standards in Veterinary Care

A New Era in Pet Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery - often referred to as “keyhole surgery” - is revolutionizing pet care across the United States, including Oklahoma. This minimally invasive technique replaces traditional large-incision procedures with small ports, enabling high-precision operations with reduced pain, faster recovery, and lower risk of complications. Once a hallmark of human medicine, laparoscopy is now rapidly gaining traction in veterinary practices. In Oklahoma, specialized clinics and academic centers are increasingly offering laparoscopic services, signaling a shift toward elevated standards in companion animal healthcare.

What Is Laparoscopic Surgery?

Laparoscopy involves inserting a high-definition camera (laparoscope) and specialized instruments into the pet’s body through two to three small incisions. Surgeons operate externally while watching a magnified image on a monitor. This allows for intricate procedures with minimal disruption to the surrounding tissues.

Though first used on dogs as early as 1902, veterinary laparoscopy remained rare due to the high cost of equipment and the steep learning curve. However, recent advancements in technology and growing demand from educated pet owners have sparked a resurgence. Today, many consider it the gold standard for various diagnostic and surgical procedures in animals.

Why Pet Owners Are Choosing Laparoscopy

✔️ Reduced Pain and Trauma

Studies show that pets undergoing laparoscopic spays experience far less pain than those undergoing traditional surgery. In one study, 90% of dogs who received traditional spays required extra pain medication - none of the laparoscopically spayed dogs did.

✔️ Faster Recovery

Many pets bounce back in as little as two days. Diagnostic procedures often allow same-day discharge - some within two hours.

✔️ Less Scarring, Lower Risk

Smaller incisions mean reduced risk of infection, minimal scarring, and faster healing. The risk of post-op complications like wound dehiscence is significantly lower.

✔️ Enhanced Precision

High-definition cameras provide superior visualization compared to traditional open surgery, allowing for greater surgical accuracy.

✔️ Shorter Anesthesia Times

Efficient procedures mean less time under anesthesia - especially beneficial for older or compromised pets.

Common Laparoscopic Procedures in Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary laparoscopy is no longer limited to routine surgeries. It now spans preventive, diagnostic, and advanced therapeutic applications.

Routine Surgeries

• Ovariectomy (L-OVE Spay): Removes only the ovaries via keyhole incisions. Less pain, faster healing.
  
  
• Cryptorchid Neutering: Locates and removes undescended testicles with minimal trauma.
  
  

Preventive Interventions

• Gastropexy: Prevents deadly “bloat” (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus) in large dog breeds by attaching the stomach to the abdominal wall. Can be performed alongside spay/neuter.
  
  

🧪 Diagnostics

• Liver, Kidney, and Adrenal Biopsies
  
  
• Abdominal Exploratory Surgery
  
  
• Fluid Evaluation for Internal Illness
  
  

🩺 Advanced Therapeutics

• Bladder Stone Removal (Cystoscopy)
  
  
• Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy)
  
  
• Adrenalectomy
  
  
• Nephrectomy (Kidney Removal)
  
  
• Splenectomy
  
  
• Lung Lobectomy
  
  
• Pericardiectomy (for fluid around the heart)
  
  
• Anal Sacculectomy
  
  
• Feeding Tube (J-tube) Placement
  
  
• Liver Lobectomy

Risks and Considerations

Laparoscopy is not risk-free. Key challenges include:

• Physiological Effects of CO₂ Insufflation: Can affect cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and even neurological systems.
  
  
• Complications: Bleeding, gas embolism, and rare anesthesia reactions may occur.
  
  
• Contraindications: Not ideal for pets with large tumors, adhesions, pregnancy, severe cardiac/lung disease, or infection in the abdominal cavity.
  
  

Veterinarians must thoroughly assess each patient and be prepared to convert to open surgery if complications arise.

Pre- and Post-Operative Care Guidelines

🩺 Pre-Op:

• Fast your pet as directed (typically 12 hours).
  
  
• Keep them calm and stress-free before surgery.
  
  
• Prepare a quiet, clean recovery area at home.
  
  

🐕 Post-Op:

• Restrict activity for 1–2 weeks.
  
  
• Watch for signs of infection (swelling, discharge, odor).
  
  
• Prevent licking with an E-collar or recovery suit.
  
  
• Follow all vet-prescribed medications and attend follow-ups.
  
  

Owner compliance is crucial to prevent complications and ensure optimal healing.

The Expertise Factor: Who Should Perform Laparoscopy?

The success of laparoscopic surgery hinges on the surgeon’s skill.

ACVS Board-Certified Surgeons

Veterinarians certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons undergo:

• 4 years of vet school
  
  
• 1-year internship
  
  
• 3-year residency under mentorship
  
  
• Rigorous credentialing and exams
  
  

MIS Fellowships

For even more advanced training, ACVS offers Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) fellowships focusing on laparoscopy and thoracoscopy, typically hosted at top-tier institutions like Colorado State, Cornell, or UC-Davis.

Choosing a certified surgeon significantly reduces surgical risk and improves outcomes, especially for complex procedures.

Oklahoma’s Landscape for Veterinary Laparoscopy

While availability is growing, advanced laparoscopy remains concentrated in specialized centers. Notable providers include:

Animal Emergency Center of Tulsa

Offers gastropexy, ovariectomy, cystoscopy, and more. Dr. Khris Keller is a recognized laparoscopic surgeon.

Neel Veterinary Hospital, OKC

24/7 hospital providing scope-based diagnostics like colonoscopy and rhinoscopy.

Oklahoma State University Veterinary Hospital

Home of the Oklahoma Minimally Invasive Program (OMIP), offering:

• Laparoscopy
  
  
• Thoracoscopy
  
  
• Arthroscopy
  
  
• Interventional Endoscopy
  
  
• High-Frequency Focused Ultrasound (only U.S. veterinary provider)
  
  

Veterinary Emergency Referral Center (Norman)

Offers internal diagnostics via advanced endoscopy.

Veterinary Specialty Center of Stillwater

Referral-based advanced soft tissue and orthopedic surgery.

These facilities either offer direct laparoscopic services or act as referral centers for complex cases.

The Future: Robotics, AI, and Smart Surgery

Emerging trends promise to reshape veterinary laparoscopy:

• Robotics: Future surgical robots may outperform humans in dexterity and precision.
  
  
• Artificial Intelligence: AI will soon assist with diagnostics, surgical planning, and real-time intra-operative decision-making.
  
  
• Enhanced Instruments: Innovations like antifog scopes, articulating tools, and advanced hemostatic devices will improve outcomes and expand what’s treatable laparoscopically.
  
  

A New Standard in Pet Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery offers a transformative leap in veterinary care - combining science, precision, and compassion. In Oklahoma, its availability is expanding, bringing world-class options to local pet owners. Whether managing a routine spay or a complex adrenalectomy, laparoscopy enables faster, safer, and less traumatic recovery for pets.

As technology evolves and more veterinarians gain specialized training, laparoscopy will likely become the standard - not the exception - in high-quality veterinary care.

Pet owners are encouraged to:

• Ask about laparoscopic options when surgery is recommended.
  
  
• Choose ACVS board-certified or MIS-trained surgeons when possible.
  
  
• Follow through on pre- and post-op care instructions to ensure the best outcomes.
  
  

Veterinary laparoscopy is no longer the future - it’s here, and it’s changing lives.