Minimally Invasive Surgery
Specialty procedures designed to minimize tissue trauma and support recovery.
Small Animal Surgical Services offers a range of minimally invasive procedures that use specialized techniques and equipment to access and evaluate affected areas while limiting surgical disruption where appropriate.
Minimally Invasive Care
Advanced techniques for selected surgical and diagnostic needs.
Minimally invasive procedures can provide an alternative approach to certain surgical and diagnostic cases. The appropriate procedure depends on the patient’s condition, the area being evaluated or treated, and the surgeon’s assessment.
The SASS minimally invasive procedure list includes procedures involving the respiratory system, ears, abdominal cavity, urinary system, and joints.
The original SASS material describes these procedures as being designed to inflict minimal pain and tissue trauma and to support faster recovery compared with traditional surgical methods.
Neurologic conditions can require careful evaluation and specialized surgical planning. The appropriate approach depends on the individual patient’s condition and diagnostic findings.
SASS offers a focused range of neurologic surgical procedures involving the spine and nervous system.
- Respiratory system
- Ears
- Abdominal cavity
- Urinary system
- Joints
Common Minimally Invasive Procedures
Specialized procedures for selected conditions.
Rhinoscopy
A minimally invasive procedure used to examine the nasal passages and surrounding structures.
Tracheoscopy
A minimally invasive procedure used to evaluate the trachea and airway.
Otoscopy
A minimally invasive approach for examining the ear canal and related structures.
Laparoscopy
A minimally invasive approach for accessing and evaluating structures within the abdominal cavity.
Cystoscopy
A minimally invasive procedure used to examine the urinary tract and bladder
Arthroscopy
A minimally invasive approach used to examine and evaluate joints.
Featured Procedure
A closer look inside the knee with minimally invasive technology.
SASS provides specialty surgical care across a broad range of soft tissue conditions. Selected procedures are highlighted below as major areas of surgical care.
Nanoscope Stifle Arthroscopy
The appropriate procedure and treatment plan are determined on an individual patient basis.
When Minimally Invasive Surgery May Help
A minimally invasive approach may be appropriate for selected cases.
Joint Conditions
Arthroscopy may provide direct visualization of a joint when evaluation or surgical treatment is appropriate.
Abdominal Conditions
Laparoscopy may be considered for selected abdominal procedures and diagnostic evaluations.
Urinary Conditions
Cystoscopy provides a minimally invasive approach for evaluating the urinary tract and bladder.
Ear Conditions
Otoscopy allows examination of the ear canal and related structures.
Airway Conditions
Tracheoscopy can provide direct visualization of the trachea and airway.
Nasal Conditions
Rhinoscopy can be used to examine the nasal passages and related structures.
Surgical Evaluation
Every procedure begins with understanding the individual patient.
01
Review
Review the patient’s history, clinical signs, examination findings, and available diagnostic information.
02
Evaluation
Determine whether a minimally invasive approach may be appropriate for the patient’s condition.
03
Surgical Planning
Select the appropriate procedure and approach based on the patient’s individual needs and diagnostic findings.
04
Recovery Planning
Discuss postoperative care, activity restrictions, follow-up, and recovery expectations specific to the procedure.
Recovery
Supporting your pet after minimally invasive surgery.
Minimally invasive procedures may involve smaller access points and can be associated with less tissue disruption than traditional approaches. However, recovery remains dependent on the individual procedure and patient.
- Follow all activity restrictions.
- Monitor incision or access sites.
- Give medications as directed.
- Prevent your pet from interfering with surgical sites.
- Attend recommended recheck appointments.
- Follow procedure-specific recovery instructions.
- Contact the veterinary team if you have concerns.
Important: Patient-specific postoperative instructions take priority over general information provided on this website.
For Veterinary Professionals
Coordinate minimally invasive surgical care.
Small Animal Surgical Services works with referring veterinarians to evaluate cases and determine whether specialty surgical care or a minimally invasive approach may be appropriate.
Veterinary professionals can contact SASS to discuss a case, available diagnostic information, and potential next steps.
Minimally Invasive Procedures at a Glance
Minimally invasive procedures offered by SASS.
| Category | Procedures |
|---|---|
| Nasal | Rhinoscopy |
| Airway | Tracheoscopy |
| Ear | Otoscopy |
| Abdominal | Laparoscopy |
| Urinary | Cystoscopy |
| Joint | Arthroscopy · Nanoscope Stifle Arthroscopy |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common questions about minimally invasive surgery.
What is minimally invasive surgery?
Minimally invasive surgery uses specialized techniques and equipment to access or evaluate an affected area through smaller surgical approaches when appropriate. The original SASS material describes minimally invasive procedures as being designed to minimize pain and tissue trauma and support faster recovery compared with traditional methods.
What minimally invasive procedures does SASS offer?
The SASS procedure list includes Rhinoscopy, Tracheoscopy, Otoscopy, Laparoscopy, Cystoscopy, and Arthroscopy.
What is arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive approach used to examine a joint. SASS's procedure list includes arthroscopy, and the existing surgical material also references Nanoscope stifle arthroscopy.
Is Nanoscope stifle arthroscopy minimally invasive?
Yes. It belongs under the arthroscopy/minimally invasive category and provides a minimally invasive approach for evaluating the stifle joint.
Is minimally invasive surgery appropriate for every pet?
No. The appropriate procedure depends on the patient's condition, diagnostic findings, surgical goals, and overall health. The surgeon determines whether a minimally invasive approach is appropriate.
Is recovery faster after minimally invasive surgery?
The original SASS material describes minimally invasive procedures as supporting faster recovery compared with traditional methods. However, recovery varies depending on the procedure and individual patient.
Can my regular veterinarian refer my pet?
Yes. Veterinary professionals can contact Small Animal Surgical Services to discuss a case and coordinate specialty surgical care.
Minimally Invasive Specialty Care
When a less invasive surgical approach may be appropriate, start with a conversation. For appointments and surgical inquiries:
Proudly serving all of Maine
From Portland north to the Maine border, with particular focus on Mid-Coast and Southern Maine communities. Referring practices statewide are welcome.