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.
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.
As MIS becomes more widespread, practices adopting these methods often distinguish themselves with elevated standards of care and progressive treatment offerings.
Despite its advantages, integrating MIS into everyday veterinary surgery comes with its own set of hurdles.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Even with these challenges, MIS is rapidly gaining ground in small animal surgery. Several key factors are pushing it into mainstream veterinary care:
A growing number of soft tissue surgeries can now be performed using minimally invasive approaches. Here are the most frequently performed procedures:
Laparoscopic techniques provide access to the abdominal cavity through small ports, using a high-definition camera and specialized tools.
Common uses:
Laparoscopy is especially valuable in reducing postoperative discomfort and improving visualization during abdominal procedures.
Thoracoscopy is used to access the chest cavity without the need for a full thoracotomy.
Applications include:
By avoiding sternotomy, thoracoscopy dramatically reduces recovery times and surgical trauma.
Primarily used for diagnostic evaluation, cystoscopy offers direct visualization of the lower urinary and reproductive tracts.
Clinical use cases:
It’s particularly useful when radiographs or ultrasound imaging do not provide definitive answers.
This minimally invasive technique enables detailed assessment and treatment of joint conditions.
Indications:
Arthroscopy provides superior access to joint structures with less disruption than open surgical techniques, often resulting in shorter recovery times and less postoperative pain.
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.