Veterinary Procedures Explained: Laparoscopic Spay (Ovariectomy/Ovariohysterectomy)

What is a spay (ovariectomy/ovariohysterectomy)? 

A spay is the surgical removal of reproductive organs from a female dog. When only the ovaries (egg producing organs) are removed, it is known as an ovariectomy. When both the ovaries and the uterus (womb) are removed, it is known as an ovariohysterectomy. Both procedures are assisted using an instrument called a laparoscope. When placed into a dog’s abdomen via a small incision, the laparoscope allows the surgeon to directly visualize the surface and color of the patient’s reproductive tract. Under this direct visualization, blood vessels to the ovaries are identified, sealed, and dissected free using electrocautery. In the case of an ovariectomy, the ovaries are removed independently through the incision in the skin. With the ovariohysterectomy protocol, the ovaries remain attached to the uterus as these structures are exteriorized through the skin incision; they are then cut free and the uterine vessel is sutured closed. A spay is almost always a non-emergency procedure.

Why is a spay done? 

Both traditional open spays and laparoscopic spays are done to prevent pets from being able to reproduce. Additional benefits of spaying dogs include eliminating unwanted heat cycles and the risk of ovarian cancer, as well as decreasing the risk of breast cancers, uterine cancers, and uterine infections (pyometra). 

Why perform a laparoscopic assisted spay instead of a traditional open approach? 

• Studies show that a laparoscopic spay is less painful to your dog.  In a traditional spay, the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) is commonly impacted when separating the ovaries from the body. In contrast, with a laparoscopic spay the ovaries are usually dissected away from the body in a way that leaves the peritoneum intact. It is this difference that likely explains why laparoscopic spays are less painful. 

• Direct visualization of the abdomen with a laparoscope versus the traditional open approach also allows veterinarians to better evaluate if there are any blood vessels that are incompletely sealed. Incompletely sealed vessels can lead to postoperative bleeding that may need additional surgery to correct. 

• Direct visualization reduces the possibility of ovarian tissue being left in the abdomen because the magnification allows the surgeon to verify the location of the ovary. Retained ovarian tissue can produce the sex hormone estrogen, resulting in dogs having heat cycles. These heat cycles can be more than just a nuisance; they can lead to uterine stump infections that can be very dangerous to the patient. 

• The increased safety and decreased pain with laparoscopic spays allow surgeons to safely reduce risk by decreasing the time dogs stay in the hospital post-spay.

How does a veterinarian perform a laparoscopic spay?

These procedure videos are provided by Biovision Veterinary Endoscopy, a leading manufacturer of equipment that enables veterinarians to perform minimally-invasive diagnostic and surgical procedures.

Video: Laparoscopic-Assisted Ovariectomy and Prophylactic Gastropexy

SENSITIVE CONTENT WARNING: Before you watch this video, you should be aware that it shows a surgical procedure on a dog. Although minimal, there is some blood shown. If you’re not sure if you’re ready to see something like that, we advise you to skip this video. Also, this video shows both an ovariectomy and a prophylactic (preventive) gastropexy. If you want to view only the ovariectomy, you can end the video at 08:25. Video has no sound.

Video: Laparoscopic-Assisted Ovariohysterectomy

SENSITIVE CONTENT WARNING: Before you watch this video, you should be aware that it shows a surgical procedure on a dog. Although minimal, there is some blood shown. If you’re not sure if you’re ready to see something like that, we advise you to skip this video. Video has no sound.