General principles of laparoscopy.

Laparoscopic surgery is minimally invasive and minimally traumatic in cattle. It allows the animal to return rapidly to production. These techniques are destined to develop further, especially in the dairy and show cattle industries, where recovery periods must be as short as possible. Although it is important to remain skeptical about new procedures if they do not offer advantages over open techniques, in many cases laparoscopy is clearly superior. Laparoscopy is not an easy surgical technique. It requires a good knowledge of anatomy and abdominal topography and rigorous training. It must be performed with great care and delicacy because complications, such as perforated organs, can occur. Laparoscopy also requires the use of sophisticated and costly technology.