Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic spays: when less is more
Keyhole surgery is a minimally invasive option for various veterinary procedures, offering reduced pain and faster recovery times. Brockwell Vets is proud to offer laparoscopic services, using advanced equipment and techniques to perform surgeries such as neutering and organ biopsies.
Laparoscopy is used primarily for neutering female dogs but can be used for cryptorchid male dogs and treating cats with retained ovaries.
What is a key hole spay:
Laparoscopic spays or key-hole spays are performed using specialised equipment. There are two incisions – one just above and below the umbilicus – through which we place surgical ports to allow us to operate. The surgery is performed close to the ovary, using delicate instruments and our view is magnified using a scope. The ovary is then removed and the small incisions closed. A traditional spay is performed using one longer incision, there is more handling of the tissues and our vision is an arm length away.
The director at Brockwell Vets – William Chandler – has been treating patients laparoscopically for many years now and has a wealth of experience. The team at Brockwell Vets are happy to take referrals for minimally invasive procedures. To find out more please contact our team.
Laparoscopic Spays: Experience Matters
Brockwell Vets is proud to offer this service, led by our experienced surgeon, William Chandler. Wiliam obtained his post graduate certificate in laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery in 2019. He has been performing laparoscopic surgeries ever since and has gained extensive experience in routine keyhole neutering as well as more complex laparoscopic procedures.
Other laparoscopic procedures that we offer include the following:
- Laparoscopic assisted gastropexy
- Laparosopic biopsies: suitable for liver and lymph nodes
- Laparoscopic assisted cystoscopy for bladder stone retrievals
- Faster Recovery: With smaller incisions and reduced tissue trauma, pets undergoing laparoscopic spays often experience less pain and discomfort post-surgery. This can lead to a quicker recovery and a faster return to their normal activities.
- Reduced Risk of Complications: The minimally invasive nature of laparoscopic spays may lower the risk of complications such as bleeding and infection compared to traditional open surgery spays.
- Improved Visualisation: Laparoscopic spays utilize a camera (laparoscope) inserted through the small incisions to provide better visualization of the internal organs. This allows for more precise surgical maneouvers and may result in better outcomes for your pet.
- Cosmetic Benefits: The smaller incisions used in laparoscopic spays result in minimal scarring, which may be more aesthetically pleasing to pet owners compared to the larger incision associated with traditional spays.
Understanding Pricing for Laparoscopic Spays
At Brockwell Vets, we want to ensure transparency regarding pricing for laparoscopic surgery. There is an additional charge associated with laparoscopic procedures, which covers the costs of acquiring and maintaining specialised equipment and the dedicated nursing time required for these advanced surgeries.
If laparoscopic surgery is not the right choice for you or your pet, please know that we are fully equipped and experienced in performing traditional open surgeries with the same level of skill and compassion. The health and safety of your pet is always our top priority, and we are committed to providing the best possible care regardless of the chosen procedure.

