By using minimally invasive surgery techniques and noninvasive procedures such as endoscopy, Veterinary Associates of Cape Cod offers our patients many benefits apart from traditional surgeries.
Endoscopy is a noninvasive approach to assessing patients. Endoscopes are flexible video cameras with working channels that are passed into sites—such as the gastrointestinal tract or respiratory tract—for high-resolution investigation. With two state-of-the-art video endoscopes (which are far superior to traditional fiber optic scopes), Veterinary Associates can achieve important benefits without surgery. For instance, endoscopy enables us to remove foreign bodies that an animal may have eaten—such as rocks, socks, coins, or balls—without a single incision. Video scopes also allow us to take biopsy samples for the diagnosis of prolonged vomiting, diarrhea and coughing, without using surgery. Dr. Burns has received advanced training from the leader in this field and has become highly skilled with this technology.
Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) means less post-operative pain and discomfort. Studies have shown that human patients undergoing MIS procedures report much less pain and require smaller doses of pain relievers than patients undergoing traditional surgeries.
MIS, which includes laparoscopic surgery, uses the latest technology. When performing MIS, the surgeon creates small, dime-sized incisions that allow the use of a miniature camera, or laparoscope, and specialized instruments to perform the procedure—so there’s no need for a large, conventional incision. Smaller incisions mean less pain for our patients, along with a faster recovery.
Veterinary Associates is the first veterinary hospital on Cape Cod to offer minimally invasive surgical procedures. From exploratory surgery, bladder stone removal, gastropexy (stomach tacking), to ovarioectomy (spay) surgeries, our minimally invasive approach means smaller incisions and faster recovery with a lot less pain.