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Soft Tissue Surgery

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Soft tissue surgery is any procedure not involving the bones or joints, and includes surgery of the head and neck, chest cavity, abdomen and skin.

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Depending on the type of surgery, soft tissue procedures can be very complex, requiring a detailed knowledge of the anatomy as well as technical expertise.

Although all vets can perform surgery, more complex procedures are preferably performed by vets with a higher level of training. This may be a vet with a particular interest in surgery, a vet who has undertaken a certificate in surgery (often gaining Advanced Practitioner status), or a recognised specialist.

Advanced soft tissue procedures include:

• Surgery of the head and neck, such as TECA-BO, salivary mucocele and thyroidectomy
• Mandibulectomy and maxillectomy for jaw tumours
• Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) surgery
• Thoracic surgery, such as lung lobectomy and pericardectomy
• Liver surgery, such as liver lobectomy and cholecystectomy
• Abdominal surgery, such as surgery of the stomach and intestines
• Urinary tract surgery, such as nephrectomy, prostatic surgery and urethrostomy
• Perineal surgery, such as perineal hernia repair and anal sacculectomy
• Skin surgery, such as large tumour removal, skin grafts/flaps and wound management
• Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery