Laparoscopic and laparoscopic-assisted cryptorchidectomy in dogs and cats.

There are many applications for laparoscopy in small animal surgery. A relatively simple one is abdominal cryptorchid castration. Laparoscopic examination of the peritoneal cavity can both aid in the diagnosis of abdominal cryptorchidism and allow treatment using either a totally laparoscopic or a laparoscopic-assisted technique. Minimally invasive cryptorchid castration obviates the need for "open" celiotomy and may thereby reduce postoperative discomfort and wound-related complications in these patients.