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Laparoscopic Spay (Keyhole Spay)

We are very proud to be the first veterinary practice in Swansea to be able to offer keyhole spays!

Keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery is a minimally invasive technique where a surgeon uses a camera and specialized instruments inserted through small (0.3-1 cm) incisions in the body wall to perform procedures.

You may already know the many benefits of keyhole surgery for humans, and these advantages apply to our pets as well.

 

What are the advantages of keyhole surgery?

  • Less post-operative pain

  • Smaller incisions

  • Faster healing time

  • Fewer complications after surgery

  • No stitches in the skin, often eliminating the need for a buster collar

  • Rest is usually only required for 2-3 days after the procedure

  • A clearer and safer view for the surgeon

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Frequently Asked Questions

In a keyhole spay, the surgeon makes two small incisions (0.3-1 cm, depending on the patient's size) instead of a single larger one (5-15cm) in a conventional open spay. One incision allows the camera to provide a magnified view on a monitor, giving the surgeon a clear picture. The surgeon uses the second incision for instruments to remove the ovaries.
To position the instruments properly, a large area of hair on the sides and belly needs to be clipped. This ensures the area remains sterile for surgery.
Conventional spaying involves stretching the ligaments connecting the ovaries to the abdomen, which causes pain. Keyhole spaying, however, cauterizes and cuts these ligaments, resulting in significantly less pain.
Since the surgeon closes both small incisions with dissolvable stitches under the skin, most pets do not pay attention to the wounds. However, it is important to prevent them from licking the area, so occasionally, a body suit or collar may be needed.
After a conventional spay, pets need to rest for 10-14 days. With keyhole procedures, rest time is just 2-3 days as long as recovery goes as planned.
Most pets feel very comfortable after keyhole surgery. We administer pain medication on the day of the operation, but they typically do not need any additional pain relief at home.
Many studies have examined the risk of leaving the uterus behind. As long as the ovaries are fully removed, there is no benefit to removing the uterus. Hormones from the ovaries are required to develop pyometra; without ovaries, these conditions cannot develop. If the uterus appears abnormal during the procedure, we may remove it laparoscopically or recommend converting to open surgery.
Both surgeries have the same effect. Spayed females will not have seasons, cannot become pregnant, and will not develop false pregnancies. They also cannot develop life-threatening uterine infections (pyometra) or ovarian tumors. Additionally, spaying a female dog before her third season significantly reduces the risk of mammary cancer later in life.

Keyhole surgery requires expert training for our team and investment in specialized equipment, which may result in higher costs compared to open surgery.

To book an appointment, or for further advice on keyhole procedures, please call our Penllergaer practice on 01792 895154.

Our Parkway, Penllergaer and Neath surgeries have been accredited as Cat Friendly!

CFC Silver logo for clinics
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cat friendly

We are proud to have been awarded Silver ISFM Cat Friendly Clinic Accreditation for our Parkway, Neath and Penllergaer branches.

What is ISFM Cat Friendly Clinic Accreditation?

The Cat Friendly Clinic Accreditation Scheme is an internationally recognised award, promoting high standards of care and well-being for feline patients.

Here at St James, we understand that due to the unique nature of cats, trips to the vets can be stressful. Cats are very sensitive to new sights, sounds and smells and do not enjoy being taken out of their familiar environments.

In receiving this award, alongside providing our excellent standards of care, we have demonstrated commitment to reducing stress for our feline patients.

How have we achieved accreditation?

To gain accreditation we have met strict criteria, designed to meet the specific needs of our feline patients, therefore reducing stress and promoting feline welfare.

These include:
• Handling cats in a gentle, calm and respectful manner
• Separate cat and dog waiting areas
• Addition of cat shelving in our waiting rooms, to enable cat carriers to be raised up off the floor and prevent cats from seeing other cats
• Re-arranging the layout of our waiting rooms so cats can enter the consult rooms without having to walk through the dog waiting areas
• Quiet and calm cat wards, separate from the dog wards
• Sizeable kennels, with areas to perch and hide to increase comfort whilst hospitalised
• Veterinary equipment specific for treating our feline patients

Whilst all staff at St James love seeing our feline patients, we have introduced ‘cat advocates’ at these branches, who ensure these standards are maintained and would be happy to chat to you!

Special offers

For Puppies

vaccination package

86.50package
  • Two thorough clinical examinations
  • A spot on treatment (active against lungworm, fleas, flea larvae, roundworms and mites)
  • A microchip
  • Four weeks (immediate) free insurance* with Petplan
  • [*insurance requires client activation]

Protect your pet and save money

Join our Pet Health Club and you too can cut the cost of veterinary care for your pet. Fixed monthly payments help you spread the cost. You will also receive exclusive discounts on dentals, microchipping and more.

JOIN NOW!

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For Kittens

vaccination package

86.50package
  • Two thorough clinical examinations
  • An spot on treatment (active against lungworm, fleas, flea larvae, roundworms and mites)
  • A microchip
  • Four weeks (immediate) free insurance* with Petplan
  • [*insurance requires client activation]