Laparoscopic or Keyhole Surgery

Keyhole or laparoscopic spays allow for quicker recovery and a swifter return to normal activity as it is a minimally invasive approach compared to the traditional spay. Using a scope and fine instrumentation to remove only the ovaries, this alternative method allows the incision to be much smaller. Blood vessels connecting the ovaries are sealed via an electrocautery and removed from the abdomen with minimal bleeding. The surgeon’s hands do not physically enter into the abdomen.

Besides female sterilisation, removal of undescended testicles in males can also be performed laparoscopically. Retained abdominal testicles (cryptorchidism) is a common condition that occurs in dogs but less frequently in cats. Studies have shown that canine cryptorchidism is significantly associated with the development of more than 50% of testicular tumours in older intact males. Thus, the removal of abdominal testicles is strongly recommended due to the higher chance of testicular tumours/cancer development occurring in the retained testicle.

With the advances in technology and equipment, keyhole surgeries are understandably more expensive compared to the traditional method since extensive training and an elaborate set-up of digital cameras and screens are required.