Minimally invasive techniques in small animal soft tissue surgery

In recent years, soft tissue surgery has seen major developments with the growing integration of minimally invasive techniques in veterinary surgery. Driven by technological innovation and a broader range of continuing education (CE) opportunities, procedures once considered advanced are now becoming more accessible – even in general practice settings. 

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS), including laparoscopy, thoracoscopy, arthroscopy, and cystoscopy, is revolutionizing small animal surgery by offering faster recovery, reduced discomfort, and greater precision. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and challenges of minimally invasive soft tissue surgery, the procedures most commonly performed, and what’s fueling this shift in veterinary care. 

Why minimally invasive surgery is transforming small animal soft tissue surgery 

Minimally invasive techniques offer considerable advantages over traditional open surgery—for both patients and veterinary teams. By using small incisions and specialized instrumentation, MIS procedures can significantly reduce the physiological stress of surgery. 

Benefits for patients include: 

• Less postoperative pain due to minimal tissue trauma 

• Faster recovery times, often resulting in same-day or shorter hospital stays 

• Reduced scarring and inflammation at the surgical site 

• Lower risk of complications, including infection or excessive bleeding 

• Better outcomes in high-risk or geriatric patients, where recovery time is critical 

 

Benefits for veterinary teams include: 

• Improved visualization through enhanced imaging and magnification 

• Increased surgical precision, especially in delicate anatomical regions 

• Greater client satisfaction, as owners increasingly seek out advanced, lower-impact surgical options for their pets 

As MIS becomes more widespread, practices adopting these methods often distinguish themselves with elevated standards of care and progressive treatment offerings. 

 

Key challenges of implementing minimally invasive surgery in veterinary practices 

Despite its advantages, integrating MIS into everyday veterinary surgery comes with its own set of hurdles. 

1. Training and proficiency

The skill set required for minimally invasive soft tissue surgery is highly specific. It demands additional training beyond veterinary school, and proficiency takes time to build. CE plays a vital role here—not only for lead surgeons, but for the entire support team involved in the surgical workflow. 

For veterinarians aiming to build clinical confidence, formal training like the Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Surgery offers a structured, blended-learning pathway to advance surgical competence and apply minimally invasive techniques more effectively in practice. 

2. Cost and equipment investment

Laparoscopic towers, endoscopes, and precision instruments can be expensive. For many general practices, cost remains a barrier—especially when combined with the training investment needed to use these tools safely and effectively. 

3. Surgical limitations

Not all patients are good candidates for MIS. Very small animals may not have sufficient anatomical space for instrumentation, and severe or advanced disease states may necessitate conversion to open surgery. Additionally, some MIS procedures may take longer than traditional methods, especially in early implementation phases. 

4. Technical complexity

Loss of tactile feedback, reduced working space, and reliance on camera-based visualization can make even routine procedures more technically demanding. A strong foundation in anatomy and surgical decision-making is essential for success. 

 

What’s driving adoption of MIS in veterinary medicine 

Even with these challenges, MIS is rapidly gaining ground in small animal surgery. Several key factors are pushing it into mainstream veterinary care: 

• Increased client demand: Pet owners are more informed than ever and often seek out clinics that offer minimally invasive options for their pets. 

• Expanded training opportunities: Veterinary CE courses, certificates, and workshops help bridge the gap between theory and practice, making it easier for veterinarians to adopt the technology  

• Technological innovation: Advancements in camera quality, instrumentation, and surgical software continue to refine and simplify procedures. 

• Greater equipment availability: As demand increases, many clinics are able to obtain second-hand or lower-cost equipment, making it more feasible to implement MIS in general practice. 

 

Common minimally invasive procedures in small animal soft tissue surgery 

A growing number of soft tissue surgeries can now be performed using minimally invasive approaches. Here are the most frequently performed procedures: 

Laparoscopy 

Laparoscopic techniques provide access to the abdominal cavity through small ports, using a high-definition camera and specialized tools. 

Common uses: 

• Ovariectomy (lap spay) 

• Prophylactic gastropexy (especially in large-breed dogs) 

• Exploratory diagnostics 

• Biopsy of abdominal organs 

• Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) 

• Removal of small masses 

Laparoscopy is especially valuable in reducing postoperative discomfort and improving visualization during abdominal procedures. 

Thoracoscopy 

Thoracoscopy is used to access the chest cavity without the need for a full thoracotomy. 

Applications include: 

• Diagnosis and treatment of pericardial effusion 

• Thoracic duct ligation 

• Pericardiectomy 

• Biopsy or removal of intrathoracic masses 

By avoiding sternotomy, thoracoscopy dramatically reduces recovery times and surgical trauma. 

Cystoscopy 

Primarily used for diagnostic evaluation, cystoscopy offers direct visualization of the lower urinary and reproductive tracts. 

Clinical use cases: 

• Investigation of chronic urinary tract infections 

• Identification of urethral or bladder abnormalities 

• Biopsy collection or therapeutic interventions in some cases 

It’s particularly useful when radiographs or ultrasound imaging do not provide definitive answers. 

Arthroscopy 

This minimally invasive technique enables detailed assessment and treatment of joint conditions. 

Indications: 

• Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) 

• Biceps tenosynovitis 

• Ununited anconeal process 

• Fragmented medial coronoid process 

• Joint lavage and debridement 

Arthroscopy provides superior access to joint structures with less disruption than open surgical techniques, often resulting in shorter recovery times and less postoperative pain. 

Conclusion 

Minimally invasive techniques are reshaping the landscape of soft tissue surgery in small animal practice. From faster recovery and reduced complications to improved surgical accuracy, MIS is not just a technological upgrade—it’s a step forward in patient care. 

While challenges like cost, training, and equipment remain, continuing education is making this field more accessible than ever. For veterinarians eager to expand their skill set, programs like our Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Surgery offer an excellent pathway to proficiency. 

As technology continues to evolve and training becomes more widely available, the future of veterinary surgery will undoubtedly include a broader use of MIS techniques—improving outcomes for patients and elevating standards across the profession.