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Stoneburner et al: Laparoscopy and thoracoscopy in small animal surgery: A 2020 survey of small animal surgical diplomates and residents
Veterinary Surgery 5, 2024

🔍 Key Findings

  • The survey included 111 practicing surgeons and 28 residents from ACVS, ECVS, and ANZCVS. 98.2% had performed soft tissue minimally invasive surgery (MIS).
  • In the past year, surgeons reported a median caseload of 90% basic laparoscopy, 0% advanced laparoscopy, and 10% thoracoscopy; for residents: 100% basic laparoscopy, 0% advanced, 0% thoracoscopy.
  • Laparoscopic ovariectomy and OHE were the most commonly performed MIS procedures, with most respondents proficient in basic laparoscopy, but few performing advanced laparoscopy or thoracoscopy.
  • Top barriers to MIS adoption were: lack of consistent caseload, lack of training, difficult learning curve, equipment limitations, and cost.
  • 76.6% of surgeons and 92.9% of residents received MIS training during residency. Those trained had completed residency median 6 years ago, compared to 22 years ago for those without MIS training (p < .001). Perceived adequate training correlated with higher proficiency.
  • MIS was recognized as having a steep learning curve, but patient benefits (mean score 4.0/5) were the top motivation — less pain, faster recovery, improved visualization.
  • The authors conclude basic laparoscopy is widely adopted, but advanced and thoracoscopic MIS remain underutilized. Training and access are key to future growth.
  • Expanded training and improved access to equipment are necessary to promote broader integration of MIS into veterinary soft-tissue surgery.

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← Articles

Stoneburner et al: Laparoscopy and thoracoscopy in small animal surgery: A 2020 survey of small animal surgical diplomates and residents
Veterinary Surgery 5, 2024

🔍 Key Findings

  • The survey included 111 practicing surgeons and 28 residents from ACVS, ECVS, and ANZCVS. 98.2% had performed soft tissue minimally invasive surgery (MIS).
  • In the past year, surgeons reported a median caseload of 90% basic laparoscopy, 0% advanced laparoscopy, and 10% thoracoscopy; for residents: 100% basic laparoscopy, 0% advanced, 0% thoracoscopy.
  • Laparoscopic ovariectomy and OHE were the most commonly performed MIS procedures, with most respondents proficient in basic laparoscopy, but few performing advanced laparoscopy or thoracoscopy.
  • Top barriers to MIS adoption were: lack of consistent caseload, lack of training, difficult learning curve, equipment limitations, and cost.
  • 76.6% of surgeons and 92.9% of residents received MIS training during residency. Those trained had completed residency median 6 years ago, compared to 22 years ago for those without MIS training (p < .001). Perceived adequate training correlated with higher proficiency.
  • MIS was recognized as having a steep learning curve, but patient benefits (mean score 4.0/5) were the top motivation — less pain, faster recovery, improved visualization.
  • The authors conclude basic laparoscopy is widely adopted, but advanced and thoracoscopic MIS remain underutilized. Training and access are key to future growth.
  • Expanded training and improved access to equipment are necessary to promote broader integration of MIS into veterinary soft-tissue surgery.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Stoneburner 2024 et al., on MIS survey results, what proportion of responding surgeons had performed basic laparoscopy in the previous year?

A. 30%
B. 55%
C. 70%
D. 90%
E. 100%

Answer: 90%

Explanation: Median proportion of MIS cases for surgeons was 90% basic laparoscopy.
In Stoneburner 2024 et al., on MIS survey results, what was the most cited reason for performing MIS techniques?

A. Reduced staff workload
B. Financial incentive
C. Patient benefit
D. Demand from clients
E. Hospital pressure

Answer: Patient benefit

Explanation: Respondents ranked reduced pain and faster recovery as top motivators (mean 4.0/5).
In Stoneburner 2024 et al., on MIS survey results, which factor was most strongly associated with increased MIS proficiency?

A. Years since graduation
B. Number of published MIS studies
C. Residency training in MIS
D. Type of practice (private vs academia)
E. Case volume per week

Answer: Residency training in MIS

Explanation: Those trained in MIS during residency had significantly greater perceived proficiency (p < .001).
In Stoneburner 2024 et al., on MIS survey results, what was the most commonly cited barrier to performing more MIS procedures?

A. Equipment malfunction
B. Lack of patient demand
C. Prolonged anesthesia time
D. Lack of consistent caseload
E. Surgeon fatigue

Answer: Lack of consistent caseload

Explanation: This was the top-ranked barrier to MIS expansion in the survey.
In Stoneburner 2024 et al., on MIS survey results, what was the most commonly performed MIS procedure among respondents?

A. Thoracoscopic lobectomy
B. Adrenalectomy
C. Laparoscopic OVE/OHE
D. Splenectomy
E. Biopsy of lymph nodes

Answer: Laparoscopic OVE/OHE

Explanation: Most surgeons reported laparoscopic ovariectomy/hysterectomy as their most frequent MIS procedure.

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