Evidence-based update on neutering options in bitches — a laparoscopic point of view

Veterinary practitioners perfom ovariohysterectomies on a daily basis, as a method of population control, disease control (e.g. of mammary neoplasia) and for ease of management of the bitch within the family home. Surgeon skills improve with experience, lessening the surgical duration and decreasing incisional size. However, new techniques are reported, that offer alternatives to the traditional way of neutering dogs.

First described in human surgery, laparoscopy is increasingly commonly performed in veterinary species. This minimally invasive technique consists of introducing specialised equipment into the abdomen of the dog through small incisions. By insufflating gas inside the abdomen cavity, using a camera and a monitor, the veterinary surgeon can diagnose and treat many conditions surgically. This procedure offers many advantages over laparotomy, including reduced post-operative pain, decreased recovery time, less desiccation of exposed viscera, reduced postoperative infection and improved cosmesis (Devitt et al, 2005). Laparoscopy permits an excellent observation (Austin et al, 2003) of the genitourinary tract and other viscera with rapid exposure of the ovaries and uterus, limiting the risk of incomplete ovarian tissue resection. Nevertheless, there are a few elements that make laparoscopy less attractive for many practitioners: