There are a number of minimally invasive surgical (MIS) procedures that are currently performed using laparoscopy. Many of
these procedures require multiple trocar cannula portals, specific minimally invasive surgical instruments, loop ligatures,
clip applicators and monopolar electrosurgery. The techniques described below are the "tip of the iceberg" in as far as the
potential for MIS in veterinary medicine.
Laparoscopy
Intestinal Biopsy
Small intestinal biopsies can be obtained using the laparoscope simply by exteriorizing a piece of intestine through the abdominal
wall and then collecting the sample externally as would be done with a standard surgical biopsy. A 5-mm atraumatic grasping
forceps with multiple teeth is used to grasp the intestine at the site to be biopsied. It may be necessary to "run" the bowel
with two grasping forceps to select a location to biopsy. The antimesenteric boarder is firmly grasped with the forceps. The
intestine is then pulled to the cannula. A 3-4 cm loop of intestine is exteriorized. A small full thickness biopsy is then
obtained in the same manner as one would use when performing an open abdominal surgical technique. The intestine is then returned
to the abdominal cavity. If too much intestine is exteriorized it is difficult to return it to the abdominal cavity through
a small incision
Intestinal Feeding Tube Placement
Duodenostomy or jejunostomy feeding tubes can be placed using the laparoscope simply by exteriorizing a respective piece of
intestine through the abdominal wall and inserting the tube externally. Once the location of the bowel for tube placement
is determined the antimesenteric boarder is firmly grasped with the forceps. The intestine is then pulled close to the cannula
in which the intestine will be exteriorized. A 3-4 cm loop of intestine is exteriorized and four stay sutures (4-0 monofilament
absorbable) are placed in the intestine to prevent the intestine from falling back into the abdominal cavity. A purse-string
suture is placed on the antimesenteric border of the intestine. A number 11 blade is used to puncture the intestine in the
middle of the purse-string suture and the jejunostomy feeding tube (5 French for cats and 8 French for dogs) is introduced
in the loop of bowel in the aboral direction. The purse string suture is closed and the intestine is returned to the abdominal
cavity except for the segment containing the feeding tube. The stay sutures are then used to pexy the intestine to the abdominal
wall using 4.0 monofilament absorbable sutures. The abdominal wall is then closed with simple continuous suture pattern. Subcutaneous
tissue and skin are closed in a routine fashion. The feeding tube exits through the incision.
Gastropexy
A preventive gastropexy can be performed using the laparoscope simply by exteriorizing the pyloric antrum region of the stomach
through the right abdominal wall. The animal is placed in dorsal recumbency and the telescope portal is placed on the midline
at the level of the umbilicus. A 5-mm atraumatic grasping forceps with multiple teeth is used to grasp the pyloric antrum
mid-distance between the lesser and the greater curvature. The pyloric antrum is exteriorized after extension of the cannula
site situated behind the last rib on the right side. An incisional gastropexy is then performed.
