Dr. Allan Frank and Rebecca Stillwell, CVT Performing a Laparoscopic Assisted Ovariectomy

Hunt Valley Animal Hospital is now performing laparoscopic ovariectomy (removal of only the ovaries).  This is a major advancement in technique from the traditional ovariohysterectomy spay surgery (removal of the ovaries and uterus).  We are one of the few hospitals in the country offering this procedure.  We will also perform ovariohysterectomy via laparoscopic technique. 

Laparoscopic ovariectomy has many benefits including smaller incisions, fewer complications, less trauma, minimal pain and bruising and excellent visualization of abdominal organs.  In large breed dogs, gastropexy (tacking of the stomach to the body wall to prevent stomach twisting) can be performed at the same time.

A study published by the Journal of Veterinary Surgery in 2006 compared ovariectomy (removal of the ovaries) to ovariohysterectomy (removal of ovaries and uterus).  Aside from the above mentioned benefits of ovariectomy, the study also concluded that there was no significant difference between the techniques for long term urogential problems (pyometra, urinary incontinence, endometritis).  Ovariectomy has been the procedure of choice in Europe since 1984.

Ovariectomy vs. Ovariohysterectomy

The primary advantages to performing an ovariectomy are:

1. Less tissue disturbed, therefore less pain
2. May reduces the chance of urinary incontinence
3. No long-term difference from traditional spay surgery