MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY USING LAPAROSC OPIC AND THORACOSCOPIC TECHNIQUES

This review considers laparoscopic and thoracoscopic techniques. The n ecessary equipment (scopes, lightsource, lightcable, camera, monitor, insufflator, Veress needle, trocar, and other instrumentation) is disc ussed. Particularities concerning anaesthesia and positioning are ment ioned. General operation principles are explained and diagnostic lapar oscopy in companion animals and horses are reviewed. As an example of possible operations the laparoscopic ovariectomy in the bitch and the castration in the cryptorchid horse are discussed, Diagnostic thoracos copy and thoracoscopic possibilities for neoplasia and pneumothorax ar e mentioned. Specific complications, future possibilities and limits o f minimally invasive surgery are discussed.