Falkland Veterinary Clinic have become one of the first practices in the UK to invest in a carbon dioxide laser for surgery.
Why a laser?
There are considerable benefits to both the patient and surgeon from laser surgery. Laser surgery is essentially the cutting and dissecting of tissues with a concentrated laser beam rather than using scalpel blades and scissors. The laser seals small blood vessels and lymph vessels as it cuts, reducing bleeding and post-op swelling. It also allows a surgeon to be more precise in their actions since the tissues appear cleaner and clearer.
The laser seals off nerve endings as it cuts, reducing post-operative pain. It kills bacteria instantly, effectively sterilising the operating area.
The great versatility of the laser allows us to do everything from fine cuts to evaporating tumours which may otherwise be difficult to remove. It also allows us to perform some procedures, such as wart removals, under local anaesthetic where a full general anaesthetic would normally be required.
There is an extra fee for the use of the laser, but this is far outweighed by the benefits to your pet.
Benefits of laser surgery:
- Much less bleeding and blood loss during surgery
- Less post-operative swelling
- Improved post-operative comfort
- Precise surgery leaving normal tissue undamaged
- Reduced chances of wound contamination
- The ability to perform some operations under local anaesthesia
