FUQUAY VARINA, N.C., Jan. 17, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hilltop Animal Hospital is using minimally invasive surgical techniques on small animals in their Fuquay-Varina location. Laparoscopic techniques, long used in human surgery, have been slow to be adopted by veterinarians. The benefits for animal patients are significant and similar to those for human patients. Laparoscopic surgery results in smaller surgical incisions and a faster recovery time for the animal. Procedures are generally safer and patients require less pain medication after surgery. In general, surgeries performed with laparoscopic techniques result in better outcomes for patients.

Dr. Scotty A. Gibbs of Hilltop Animal Hospital felt that providing minimally invasive surgical options was necessary in order to provide the best care possible for his patients. "Unfortunately, laparoscopic techniques have not gained as much traction in veterinary medicine as they have in traditional medicine. The equipment can be somewhat costly, and I believe that puts the technique out of reach of many practices," stated Dr. Gibbs, "but I attended a conference while I was President of the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association which convinced me that this procedure needed to become part of our practice here at Hilltop Animal Hospital. The benefits to the animals are substantial." 

Many common pet surgeries can be performed using minimally invasive techniques.  These laparoscopic procedures work well for ovariectomies, cryptorchid testicle removals, bladder stone removals, liver biopsies, and exploratory surgeries among others. While not every pet or condition can be treated with laparoscopic procedures, the veterinarians at Hilltop Animal Hospital evaluate each pet patient on a case by case basis. "When we evaluate a pet patient for a surgical procedure, there are many factors we must take into account when determining a course of treatment including the proposed procedure and the pet's overall health," stated Dr. Gibbs. "Whenever possible, we will use the laparoscopic techniques to reduce patient morbidity, decrease surgical time, and get the pets back to their regular routine as fast as possible."

The hospital provides a wide range of elective and non-elective surgical procedures for cats and dogs. The veterinarians at Hilltop Animal Hospital have a state of the art surgical suite at their disposal for procedures such as limb amputations, foreign body removal from the stomach or intestines, splenectomies and gastropexies, in addition to emergency surgical and wound care.

To make an appointment or inquire about the practice's minimally invasive surgical techniques, contact their office at 919-567-9700. Hilltop Animal Hospital is located at 3425 N. Main Street, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526.  Regular office hours are from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturdays. Visit them online at www.hilltopanimalhosp.com for more information on their practice.

Hilltop Animal Hospital, 919-567-9700