What is Interventional Endoscopy?
Interventional endoscopy is a minimally invasive technique that allows veterinarians to perform therapeutic procedures inside the body without the need for open surgery. Unlike traditional diagnostic endoscopy, which is used to examine internal structures, interventional endoscopy is used to treat and correct medical conditions through the use of specialised tools.
This cutting-edge approach is transforming veterinary medicine by offering safer, faster, and more precise treatments for conditions that previously required major surgery.
A Brief History of Interventional Endoscopy in Veterinary Medicine
🔬 Early Use of Endoscopy (Pre-1990s): Endoscopy was initially used only for diagnostics, such as visualising the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, or urinary system. While valuable, it was not considered a treatment tool.
📈 The Rise of Interventional Endoscopy (2000s–Present): As technology advanced, specialised instruments allowed veterinarians to perform therapeutic procedures via endoscopic access. This eliminated the need for invasive surgeries in many cases. Today, interventional endoscopy is a growing field, offering minimally invasive solutions for urinary, respiratory, and digestive tract conditions.
Common Procedures Performed Using Interventional Endoscopy
Interventional endoscopy is used across multiple systems in veterinary medicine, including:
🔵 Urological Procedures
✔️ Laser Ablation of Ectopic Ureters – Corrects congenital abnormalities in the urinary tract without open surgery.
✔️ Ureteral Stenting – Helps relieve obstructions in the ureters caused by stones or strictures.
✔️ Subcutaneous Ureteral Bypass (SUB) Placement – Used in cats with ureteral obstructions to restore urine flow.
🔴 Gastrointestinal Procedures
✔️ Balloon Dilation of Strictures – Opens up narrowed sections of the oesophagus or intestines to restore function.
✔️ Foreign Body Retrieval – Removes swallowed objects without the need for major surgery.
✔️ Endoscopic Feeding Tube Placement – Provides a minimally invasive way to place feeding tubes in patients unable to eat.
🟢 Airway & Respiratory Procedures
✔️ Tracheal & Bronchial Stenting – Helps dogs with collapsing trachea or airway obstructions breathe more easily.
✔️ Laser Removal of Airway Masses – Treats tumours or obstructions in the airways without invasive surgery.
🟡 Biliary & Liver Procedures
✔️ Biliary Stenting – Used for patients with bile duct obstructions, allowing bile to flow properly.
✔️ Endoscopic-Assisted Gallbladder Removal – A less invasive approach to cholecystectomy in select cases.
How is an Interventional Endoscopy Procedure Performed?
Each procedure varies depending on the treatment goal, but the general process includes:
1️⃣ Sedation or General Anesthesia: Most procedures require sedation to keep the pet still and pain-free.
2️⃣ Insertion of an Endoscope: A flexible or rigid camera is inserted through a natural opening (mouth, nose, urethra) or a small keyhole incision.
3️⃣ Treatment Application: Specialised instruments (lasers, forceps, balloons, stents) are passed through the endoscope to perform the necessary intervention.
4️⃣ Minimally Invasive Recovery: As no large incisions are made, recovery time is significantly shorter than traditional surgery.
⏳ Most procedures take 30–90 minutes, and pets often go home the same day.
Benefits of Interventional Endoscopy Over Traditional Surgery
✔️ Minimally Invasive: Reduces tissue trauma and post-operative pain.
✔️ Faster Recovery: Most pets return to normal activity within days instead of weeks.
✔️ Lower Risk of Infection & Complications: Fewer incisions mean a reduced risk of wound infections.
✔️ High Precision & Accuracy: Endoscopic cameras provide magnified, real-time visualisation for more accurate treatments.
✔️ Avoids Major Surgery: In many cases, pets can avoid traditional open surgery entirely.
Potential Risks and Considerations
While safer than open surgery, interventional endoscopy does have some risks, including:
⚠️ Anesthesia Risks – Though brief, some pets (especially older or sick animals) may have complications.
⚠️ Technical Limitations – Some cases may still require traditional surgery if the condition is too severe.
⚠️ Potential for Stent Migration or Blockage – In some urological and airway cases, stents may shift or require replacement.
What Are the Alternatives?
📌 Traditional Surgery – Effective but more invasive, with longer recovery times and higher risks.
📌 Medical Management – Some conditions can be treated with medication alone, though this may not be a permanent solution.
📌 Watchful Waiting – For mild cases, vets may monitor the condition before recommending intervention.
While open surgery is still necessary in some cases, interventional endoscopy is quickly becoming the preferred first-line treatment for many conditions.
Final Thoughts
Interventional endoscopy is revolutionizing veterinary medicine by providing minimally invasive treatment options for conditions that previously required major surgery. With faster recovery, less pain, and fewer complications, this advanced technique is enhancing the quality of life for countless pets.
If your pet has been diagnosed with a condition that may require surgery, ask your veterinarian whether interventional endoscopy is an option!