Penn Vet has opened a new, state-of-the-art minimally invasive surgical suite at the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital. The Buerger Family Foundation Surgery Suite is the first of its kind in any veterinary teaching hospital and is one of the only operating rooms in veterinary medicine that offers a comprehensive array of minimally invasive surgical procedures for companion animals. The operating suite allows for quicker recovery times for patients, and provides training opportunities. Available procedures include arthroscopy, laparoscopy, thoracoscopy, interventional radiology, interventional endoscopy, and minimally invasive fracture repair.

The surgical suite features video conferencing capabilities that allow surgical images to be sent anywhere for real-time collaboration with referring veterinarians, and for information-sharing with colleagues or students. With these tools, the school’s Shelter Animal Medicine Program will also be able to provide minimally invasive spays and neuters.

“Not only will the tools and equipment in this amazing facility allow us to better prepare the next generation of vets with these specialized skills,” says Lillian R. Aronson, chief of surgery at Ryan Hospital, “we will now be capable of providing our clients an option for less-invasive, less painful surgeries for their beloved pets.”