Laparoscopy and thoracoscopy in small animal surgery: A 2020 survey of small animal diplomate and resident veterinary surgeons.

Objective: To document the utilization and training of laparoscopic and thoracoscopic minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques within the American, European, Australian and New Zealand Colleges of Small Animal Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS, ECVS, and ANZCVS) in 2020.

Study design: Observational study.

Sample population: Diplomates and residents of the ACVS, ECVS, and FANZCVS.

Methods: An electronic survey was sent using veterinary list servers. Questions were organized into categories evaluating (1) the demographics of the study population and the caseload, (2) comfort level with specific procedures, (3) motivating factors and limitations, and (4) surgical training and the role of the governing bodies.

Results: Respondents included 111 practicing surgeons and 28 residents. Respondents' soft-tissue MIS caseloads had increased since they first started performing MIS; however, most respondents were only comfortable performing basic laparoscopy. Over half of the respondents agreed on the patient benefits and high standard of care provided by MIS. Perceived adequate soft-tissue training in MIS during residency was strongly associated with perceived proficiency at the time of survey response. Most respondents agreed that the specialty colleges should take a more active role in developing standards for soft-tissue MIS, with residents agreeing that a required standardized course would be beneficial.

Conclusion: Soft-tissue MIS is widely performed by diplomates and residents. Perceived adequate soft-tissue MIS training was strongly associated with perceived proficiency.

Clinical significance: There is substantial underutilization of advanced MIS techniques in veterinary specialty surgical practice, which might be improved by a stronger focus on MIS training during residency.