Laparoscopic surgery: Tips and tricks for getting started and maximising it's benefits

Laparoscopy can be used in veterinary clinics to perform neutering, prophylactic gastropexy, abdominal organ biopsies and much more. Laparoscopy has proven benefits over conventional open surgery including: decreased pain, reduced physiological stress, faster return to normal activities, smaller surgical wounds and improved surgical outcomes. However laparoscopy requires equipment and a skill set that is very distinct from open surgery including video eye-hand coordination, instrument manipulation about a single entry point into the abdomen and adaptation to a 2-D monitor display. The transition from open surgery to laparoscopy can therefore be very daunting. This lecture will seek to demystify the equipment and skills required for laparoscopy, by considering what can go wrong, how to avoid common mishaps and ultimately when conversion to open surgery is the best and safest option along the learning curve towards laparoscopic expertise.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge of the indications and benefits of laparoscopy in dogs and cats. An understanding of the equipment required for laparoscopy. An understanding of the contraindications for and complications of laparoscopy and reasons for conversion to open surgery. Tips for increasing laparoscopic confidence and performance including anaesthetic considerations, port placement, creation of a working space with good visualisation, instrument handling and vessel sealing devices, with specific reference to neutering and abdominal biopsies.
Chairperson: Daniel Brockman, Professor of Small Animal Surgery - The Royal Veterinary College
Speakers: Karla Lee, Head of soft tissue surgery - Hamilton Specialist Referrals

15 Nov 2024
13:30 - 14:20
RVC Clinical Theatre 2

Presented at London Vet Show 2024

Please note this session is not RACE-approved but you can still earn a CPD certificate