-Laparoscopy - Additional Information:

  • Advantages:

    • Minimally invasive
    • Discharged day of procedure
    • Most cases, no recovery time
    • Few complications
    • Improved accuracy of kidney biopsy vs ultrasound-guided
    • Improved accuracy of liver biopsy vs tru-cut/needle

  • Indications:

    • Abdominal exploration
    • Liver, pancreas, spleen, intestinal biopsy
    • Gall bladder aspiration
    • Unexplained abdominal effusion
    • J-tube placement

  • Available For:

    • Cats
    • Small and large breed dogs

  • Preparation for Procedure:

    • If liver or kidney biopsy, platelet count, PT/PTT, and/or ACT
    • Routine preparation for anesthesia

  • Risks/Complications:

    • Hemorrhage after biopsy
    • Performed on >300 cases at Colorado State University CVM,  1-2% complication rate