Laparoscopic-assisted vs Open Spey: Less Pain, Lower Surgical Stress

Duration, complications, stress, and pain of open ovariohysterectomy versus a simple method of laparoscopic-assisted ovariohysterectomy in dogs

Desexing is one of the most common surgeries we perform, but not all speys are the same. A randomised clinical trial published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association compared traditional open ovariohysterectomy with a laparoscopic-assisted (keyhole) approach in 20 healthy female dogs — measuring surgery time, complications, stress hormones, and post-operative pain.

The results were striking: nine out of ten dogs in the traditional surgery group needed extra pain relief afterwards, while none of the keyhole group did.

Here’s what the study found, and what it means when you’re deciding how your dog is desexed.

View full document here.

Laparoscopic Ovariectomy in Pets

At our clinic, we offer both traditional spay surgery and keyhole ovariectomy. Here’s how the keyhole procedure compares to the traditional method:

What is Keyhole Ovariectomy?

Keyhole ovariectomy, also known as laparoscopic ovariectomy, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove a female pet’s ovaries. This modern technique offers several advantages over traditional spay surgery.

Benefits of Keyhole Ovariectomy:

• Smaller Incisions: only 2-3 tiny incisions (5-10mm) are made, compared to a larger incision in traditional spaying
• Less Pain: reduced tissue handling results in less postoperative pain. It only removes the ovaries, leaving the uterus intact
• Faster Recovery: most pets return to normal activity within 24-48 hours
• Reduced Risk of Complications: lower risk of bleeding, infection, and other post-surgical complications
• Better Visualization: magnified view allows for precise surgery
• Cosmetic Advantage: minimal scarring due to smaller incisions
• Comfort: fewer issues with wound licking/chewing                                              

The Procedure

• Anaesthesia: your pet will be placed under general anaesthesia
• Incisions: 2-3 small incisions are made in the abdomen
• Laparoscopy: a camera and surgical instruments are inserted through these incisions
• Ovary Removal: the ovaries are carefully removed using specialized instrument
• Closure: the small incisions are closed with absorbable sutures   

Considerations – while keyhole ovariectomy offers many benefits, there are a few factors to consider:

• Higher cost due to specialized equipment and training
• Not all veterinary clinics offer this service

Keyhole ovariectomy offers a modern, less invasive alternative to traditional spaying. With its numerous benefits, it can provide a more comfortable experience for your pet and peace of mind for you as an owner.