Types of Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS)

ImmunityQ&AMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

This guide outlines the types of minimally invasive surgeries performed on dogs and cats, along with the characteristics and recovery periods for each procedure.

What is Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS)?

A dog's abdomen with small incisions made for laparoscopic surgery, along with the surgical instruments used.

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is a surgical approach that avoids large skin incisions, instead using a few small openings to insert a camera and instruments. The key benefit is minimizing the trauma left on the body. Because the incisions are small, there is less pain, reduced bleeding, and a lower risk of infection, often leading to a shorter recovery time compared to traditional open surgery. The range of procedures suitable for both dogs and cats is rapidly expanding.

Why is Minimally Invasive Surgery Gaining Attention?

While traditional open surgery requires a relatively large incision to directly access the organs, minimally invasive surgery is performed through just a few small port holes, each only a few millimeters in size. Veterinary surgical research reports that this limited degree of invasiveness reduces tissue damage and postoperative pain, leading to faster patient recovery. This approach can be particularly beneficial for senior pets, animals with heart or kidney disease, and cats that experience significant stress during recovery. However, not all procedures are suitable for this method; applicability depends on the type of surgery and the location of the lesion.

Open Surgery vs. Minimally Invasive Surgery Comparison

Item	Open surgery	Minimally invasive surgery
Incision size	Requires a relatively large incision	Several small port holes (a few mm each)
Recovery period	Relatively long	Relatively short (varies by surgery and patient condition)
Postoperative pain	Moderate to high	Low to moderate
Infection risk	Relatively high	Relatively low
Cost	Moderate	Relatively high
Range of possible procedures	Almost all areas	Limited (requires specialized equipment)

Cost and recovery period can vary greatly by hospital, patient condition, and type of surgery; the values in the table represent general trends.

Main Types of Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery for pets is broadly categorized into two main approaches: endoscopic surgery and arthroscopic surgery. Each of these is further divided into specific procedures based on the anatomical area being accessed. - Laparoscopy: Surgery on internal abdominal organs - Thoracoscopy: Surgery on internal thoracic (chest) organs - Arthroscopy: Diagnosis and treatment within joints - Cystoscopy: Access to the interior of the urethra and bladder - Bronchoscopy: Diagnosis of the airways and lungs

An anatomical illustration showing the laparoscopic, thoracoscopic, and arthroscopic access sites on a dog's body

What Can Be Done with Laparoscopy?

Laparoscopy is the most common minimally invasive technique used for surgeries inside the abdomen. - Spay surgery: Ovarian removal through small port incisions - Liver and spleen biopsy: Sampling a portion of the lesion for diagnosis without opening the entire abdomen (a key advantage of laparoscopy) - Gallbladder removal: For cases involving gallstones or bile issues - Cryptorchidectomy: Accessing retained testicles within the abdomen via small ports - Bladder stone removal: Applicable in select cases In particular, laparoscopic liver and spleen biopsies allow for minimally invasive sampling and diagnosis of lesions without making large abdominal incisions. This approach is valued for reducing tissue damage and postoperative pain, while facilitating a relatively quick recovery. However, the amount of tissue that can be obtained and the diagnostic accuracy may vary depending on the location and size of the lesion, so consultation with your veterinarian is essential. Laparoscopic spaying is also becoming an increasingly popular choice for large breed dogs due to its reduced invasiveness.

When Are Thoracoscopy, Arthroscopy, and Cystoscopy Used?

Thoracoscopy: This procedure provides access to the chest cavity for surgeries such as pericardial operations, partial lung lobe resection, and biopsy of intrathoracic tumors. Compared to open-chest surgery, it causes less tissue damage and is less invasive, helping to reduce the respiratory burden during recovery.

Arthroscopy: This technique allows direct visualization inside the shoulder, elbow, and knee joints to diagnose and treat conditions such as cartilage damage, elbow dysplasia, and cruciate ligament injuries.

Cystoscopy: A camera is inserted into the urethra and bladder to detect urinary stones, perform tumor biopsies, and diagnose ectopic ureters.

A scene of a dog undergoing knee arthroscopic surgery, with the interior of the joint displayed on the monitor.

Minimally Invasive Surgery Is Not Always the Answer

Minimally invasive surgery offers many advantages, but it isn’t suitable for every case. If the tumor is large, organs are adhered together, or there’s a high risk of severe bleeding, the procedure may need to be converted to open surgery. Additionally, because specialized equipment and experienced surgeons are required, only certain clinics can perform it. Before surgery, be sure to discuss with your veterinarian the possibility of conversion to open surgery, the type of equipment used, and the surgeon’s experience.

What Owners Should Check Before and After Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery also requires general anesthesia, and the preparation process is nearly identical to that of traditional surgery. - Fasting: Begin withholding food 8–12 hours before surgery (follow your veterinarian’s specific instructions). - Pre-operative testing: Blood work, cardiac evaluation, and imaging studies if necessary. - Post-operative incision care: Even though the incision sites are small, an Elizabethan collar must be worn to prevent scratching or licking. - Activity restriction: Limit vigorous activity for approximately 3–7 days. - Monitoring: Contact your clinic immediately if you notice fever, redness, swelling, or discharge at the incision sites.

A puppy recovering at home after surgery, wearing an Elizabethan collar.

Why It Is Particularly Beneficial for Cats

Cats may be more sensitive to the pain from large incisions and the stress of prolonged hospitalization, which can slow their recovery. Veterinary surgical literature reports that minimally invasive approaches, such as laparoscopy and thoracoscopy, reduce tissue damage and postoperative pain, leading to a relatively faster recovery. These benefits can also help cats, who require minimized recovery burdens. While pain management is generally easier and hospital stays tend to be shorter, the specific discharge timing varies depending on the type of surgery and the individual cat’s condition, so it is important to follow your veterinarian’s judgment. However, because cats are small, the range of usable instruments is limited; therefore, it is crucial to confirm that the clinic has extensive experience with small-animal laparoscopy.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is minimally invasive surgery more expensive?

Because specialized equipment and supplies are required, the procedure can be more expensive than traditional open surgery. The exact cost varies significantly depending on the clinic, equipment, and type of surgery, so it’s best to contact your veterinary hospital directly for a precise quote. However, in cases where hospitalization is shorter and recovery is faster, the overall expense may end up being similar.

Is my pet a candidate for minimally invasive surgery?

It depends on the surgical site, the size of the lesion, and any underlying conditions. We determine feasibility through imaging tests and preoperative evaluations, so please consult with a specialized veterinary clinic for personalized advice.

Will there really be almost no scarring?

The incision is so small that it’s often nearly invisible once the fur grows back. However, depending on your pet’s body type and skin condition, slight pigmentation may remain.

Is it possible that the surgery might need to be converted to an open procedure?

Yes, it’s possible. However, if there are severe adhesions or bleeding, we may switch to a different approach for the patient’s safety. This information is also included in the surgical consent form, so please be sure to review it.

When is it safe to start walking my pet during the recovery period?

The timing for resuming walks can vary depending on the type of surgery, the condition of the lesion, and the individual recovery rate. It is important to gradually increase activity levels under the guidance of your veterinarian, and in the case of arthroscopic surgery, a separate rehabilitation schedule may be necessary.

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References

[1] Fossum TW. Small Animal Surgery, 5th ed. Elsevier, 2019

[2] Tobias KM, Johnston SA. Veterinary Surgery: Small Animal, 2nd ed. Elsevier, 2018

[3] Freeman LJ. Veterinary Endosurgery, Mosby, 1999

[4] Mayhew PD. Advanced laparoscopic procedures in dogs and cats. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract, 2016