Laparotomy versus Laparoscopy in canine abdominal exploratory surgery

Abdominal exploratory surgery; the process by which a surgeon examines the internal organs of the abdomen in order to find and treat abnormalities; is a common procedure performed on canines by veterinarians. The surgery is typically done via one of two methods: laparotomy or laparoscopy. Laparotomy, the more common technique, involves making a large incision across the abdomen, providing surgeons with both visibility of the internal structures as well as the ability to physically palpate the organs. Laparoscopy allows a surgeon to examine the inside of the abdominal cavity using a small incision and a laparoscope; a fiber optic instrument with a video camera. As laparoscopies become more common in veterinary practice, research regarding the comparison between the two procedures is needed. A PubMed search was used to identify and review six studies on the topic of laparotomy versus laparoscopy in order to present basic guidelines as to which operation may be preferred in certain situations. The guidelines advise decision-making on the basis of diagnostic imaging (types of foreign bodies and location of gastrointestinal obstruction); presence of comorbidities, such as the location of lesions in the gastrointestinal tract and the presence of free peritoneal fluid; and the pain threshold. Further research is needed to refine the current guidelines and improve the outcomes for canine abdominal exploratory surgeries.