Page 111 - Clinical Manual of Small Animal Endosurgery

Chapter 4

Diagnostic Laparoscopy

Alasdair Hotston Moore and

Rosa Angela Ragni

Diagnostic laparoscopy provides access to the abdominal cavity with a
minimally invasive approach, and is therefore a safe alternative to con-
ventional open surgery for evaluation of intra-abdominal structures and
collection of biopsy samples. Rapid patient recovery and lower post-
operative morbidity are a major advantage, especially when managing
debilitated patients. At the same time diagnostic accuracy is greatly
increased by magnification and excellent illumination of the field of view
and by collection of biopsy samples of superior quality. All these char-
acteristics have led to wide application of laparoscopy for diagnostic
purposes.

Instrumentation

The basic kit required for diagnostic laparoscopy consists of a video
system and a light source, which are the same used for many other
endoscopic applications. In addition to this, specific equipment such as
an insufflator and dedicated instruments are necessary to gain access to
the abdominal cavity and perform the desired procedures.
The telescope is chosen according to the preference of the surgeon,
and also depending on the possibility of having more than one avail-
able. Larger-diameter telescopes (5–10 mm) are preferred, because in the
abdominal cavity there are no space restrictions and a large amount of
light is absorbed; a 5 mm-diameter scope is adequate for most small
animal procedures, and is recommended when only one scope has been
purchased. The scope is introduced through the abdominal ports without

Clinical Manual of Small Animal Endosurgery, First Edition. Edited by Alasdair Hotston Moore and
Rosa Angela Ragni.
© 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd. Published 2012 by Blackwell Publishing Ltd.