The NC State College of Veterinary Medicine is excited to offer a two-day training course in small animal laparoscopy on October 12th & 13th, 2024. This course is designed for general practitioners who are interested in learning more about laparoscopy and expanding their practice to include laparoscopic spays and lap-assisted gastropexies. Whether you have minimal experience with laparoscopy and are looking to learn some of the basics, or already have some experience but would like to refine your skills under the guidance of an experienced minimally invasive surgeon, this course is structured to provide a comprehensive introduction to laparoscopy with focus on commonly performed procedures.

Day One consists of a full day of didactic training and hands-on practice with laparoscopic trainers and canine cadavers. Topics include learning how to use and process laparoscopic instruments and discussion regarding specific procedures including laparoscopic spay, orchidectomy, liver biopsy, and lap-assisted gastropexy. Each group will get to practice these procedures on cadavers before moving on to the second day of the course. 

On Day Two, participants will work in pairs to perform a laparoscopic spay and lap-assisted gastropexy on a future adoptee from a local rescue group. Each pair will work with the help of a scrubbed-in surgeon who will provide pointers and support as needed; this is an excellent chance for participants to build confidence in a safe environment while also helping to support a local rescue group! Participants will be assigned to either a morning or afternoon surgery and will have the opportunity to observe the other groups’ surgeries while asking questions and learning additional tips and tricks. With this hands-on experience and personal instruction, participants will be able to return to their practice excited to bring these minimally invasive procedures to their clinical patients.