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We specialize in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery in dogs and cats. . Please feel free to call or e-mail us with any inquires. 

We are the first Hospital in Orange County and Los Angeles Area performing minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery as a routine outpatient procedure since 2006 for:

•  Halo: Harmonic Scalpel Assisted Laparoscopic OVH(dog and cat spay).
• Laparoscopic Ovariectomy (Similar procedure to spay were we remove the ovaries from the female leaving the rest of the reproductive organs behind)
Laparoscopic Cryptorchid surgery (retained abdominal testicle).
Laparoscopic Hernia repair (umbilical, inguinal).
Laparoscopic Splenectomy (Lap disc).
Laparoscopic Gastropexy in giant breeds (preventative
for Gastric Dilation/Volvulus)
• Laparoscopic Bladder stones surgery (cystotomy).
• Laparoscopic Intestinal resection/anastomosis (Lap disc assisted or completed with linear staplers).
• Lap disc assisted Intestinal/Gastric foreign body retrieval.
• Laparoscopic Abdominal Organ Biopsy.
• Minimally Invasive Lap Disc C-Section (Small incision with minimal risk for the mother and the babies as well as faster return to normal for the lactating mom).
• Laparoscopic harmonic scalpel assisted ventriculocordectomy (de-barking).
• Laparoscopic nephrectomy.
• Laparoscopic Adrenelectomy.
• Laparoscopic colon surgery (Lap disc assisted).
  
  
  We use the new technology of ultrasonic surgery (Harmonic Scalpel is a trademark of ETHICON) in all our surgical procedures.
  In recent years veterinarians have offered minimally invasive ovariectomy and ovariohysterectomy with the use of electrosurgical units. We are the first hospital in Southern California performing the entire procedure laparoscopically using the safe ultrasonic devices used by surgeons in humans. The procedure is performed completely inside of the patient. No sutures are left inside of the abdomen and the procedure takes 5-15 minutes depending of the size of the patient. Your pet will recover very fast and will be able to go home a few ours after the procedure with less pain than the experienced with the invasive open abdomen celiotomy. Your pet will have a speedy return to normal.
  Please visit the link at the bottom of the page if you want to read more about minimally invasive gastropexy for prevention of GVD (bloating) in giant dogs.
  
• We have performed hundredsof Ovariohysterectomies (spay) and  Ovariectomies (removing of the ovaries) laparoscopically in dogs and cats using the Harmonic Scalpel (ETHICON) with excellent results.
  
  
  
  Picture of a dog with a retained testicle in his abdomen. The Harmonic Scalpel coagulate and cuts the attachments of the testicle and allows its removal through the small incision created by the trocar. Usually the removal of the testicle(s) requires a very large incision when not using the laparoscopic approach.
  
  
  
  
  
  This picture shows the laparoscopic view of the left ovarian pedicle
  of a female dog while being transected with an ultrasonic device during ovariectomy (equivalent of spay). No bleeding is observed and the pain associated with the procedure is minimal. There are no errors since the surgeon has a microscopic view of the operating field (the laparoscopic instrument shown in the picture measures 5 mm in diameter)
  
  WHY TO USE LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY?
  
• Less pain for your pet.
• Very small incisions that require one or two sutures to close reduce the trauma and post operative inflammation.
• Your pet will recover faster (Average 2-3 days).
• No mistakes. The laparoscope magnifies the organs in the abdomen giving the surgeon a better image.
• No bleeding and no complications thanks to the ultrasonic device.
  
  Don't put your pet through unnecessary pain. Our clients
  have witnessed the benefits of minimaly invasive
  laparoscopic surgery on their pets for the last 3 years. 
  
  Please visit us and we will be happy to show you how it is done.
  
  We also offer:
• Endoscopy
• Rhinoscopy
• Cytoscopy
• Abdominal Ultrasound
• Digital Radiography
  
  Now refilling your prescription from home is easier than ever.
  Ask our staff about medication delivered to your home at no extra cost.

Hours:
Monday – Friday: 7am - 6pm
Thursday 7am to 7 pm (Vaccination Clinic)       
Saturday 7am to 2 pm




We also perform the Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) for the surgical repair of Cranial Cruciate Ligament injuries in the dog. We provide the best and more affordable solution for your pet injured cruciate ligament of the knee. Please contact our hospital to schedule an evaluation appointment for your dog.

Portola Plaza Veterinary Hospital       
27752 Santa Margarita Parkway
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Phone: 949-859-2101
Fax: 949-859-3265     

Edgar Rodriguez DVM.

 
Members of: 

AVMA    http://www.avma.org/
SCVMA http://www.scvma.org/
CVMA    http://www.cvma.net                       
AAHA     http://www.aahanet.org/
VECCS  http://veccs.org/

                                                   

NEWS:                                                                         
1-Dental cleaning without anesthesia: Position of the American Dental College: http://www.avdc.org/Dental_Scaling_Without_Anesthesia.pdf                                                                                                

 2-Emerging diseases: Bartonella sp infection in Cats, Dogs and Humans (Cat Scratch disease) :  http://www.natvetlab.com/PDF/catownerbrochure.pdf

 3. Halo (Harmonic Scalpel Assisted laparoscopic Ovariohysterectomy):http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-05152005-215029/unrestricted/Hancock_439390540_Final_Thesis.pdf

4. Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Stapled Gastropexy to prevent Gastric Dilation/Volvulus Syndrome (bloating) in Giant Breeds: http://www.vin.com/proceedings/Proceedings.plx?CID=WSAVA2002&PID=2753&Category=431

5. Medicatech Vet: TTA frequent questions: http://medicatechvet.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=34&Itemid=43