Day One

Philip Lhermette BSc (Hons) CBiol MIBiol BVetMed MRCVS

Philip graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 1982. He has pioneered many minimally invasive techniques including laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy and laser endosurgery in the UK and currently runs an endoscopy referral service in Sevenoaks, Kent. He lectures extensively in the UK and USA and is Special Lecturer in Veterinary Endoscopy at the University of Nottingham Veterinary School. He is co-editor and author of the BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Endoscopy and Endosurgery.

Day Two

Samuel Jakovljevic DVM MSc DipECVDI DVR MRCVS

Sam is a graduate from University of Liege, Belgium, and is currently head of Diagnostic Imaging at Dick White Referrals specialist centre. He holds the RCVS and European College Diplomas in Diagnostic Imaging, and an MSc from the University of Bristol. He has taught in different universities in Europe and the USA, including Purdue University in Indiana, and the Royal Veterinary College in London.

The course will provide an overview of the many minimally invasive techniques available for diagnosis and interventional surgery in general practice. These techniques have increased dramatically over the past 20 years are now common in human medicine and surgery. They are very familiar to our clients who expect such treatments for themselves and are keen to provide the same quality of care for their pets. Both flexible and rigid endoscopic techniques will be covered together with the equipment required, including upper and lower GI flexible endoscopy, bronchoscopy, rhinoscopy, urethrocystoscopy and thoracoscopy.

Who should attend:

Forward thinking veterinary surgeons who wish to broaden their diagnostic and surgical skills, improve the quality of biopsy samples retrieved and reduce the trauma and discomfort that is an inevitable part of interventional surgery. Reduced pain and morbidity, faster recovery and excellent client compliance not only benefit our patients but can also increase practice turnover.

What the course will help the attendees to do;

• Understand the scope of minimally invasive techniques available
• Avoid pitfalls in choosing and buying equipment
• Appreciate the clinical benefits of a minimally invasive approach
• Appreciate the benefits for the patient, client and practice
• Learn how to get started and build a repertoire of procedures

Learning objectives

By the end of this course delegates should have a thorough understanding of:

• The appropriate choice of equipment for flexible and rigid endoscopy
• How to perform basic upper and lower GI flexible endoscopy
• How to perform basic bronchoscopy
• The principles of rigid endoscopy - rhinoscopy, cystoscopy, laparoscopy and thoracoscopy
• The procedures amenable to minimally invasive surgery in general practice
• How to get the best and most profitable use from the investment in equipment

Course content

Extracting maximum information from radiographic or sonographic examinations depends on;

• Knowing when to use each modality
• Getting the most out of available equipment
• Using good imaging techniques
• Having a basic knowledge of anatomy and sectional anatomy
• Understanding general principles of interpretation
• Being able to perform selected special techniques

A combination of lectures, small group practical film reading sessions and ultrasound scanning will be used to focus on specific topics and anatomical areas.

Who should attend:

This course is designed for veterinarians in practice who have some experience in performing both radiographic and ultrasound examinations. The practical guidance and tips offered will help the participants to further their skills in performing and interpreting both radiographic and ultrasound examinations of selected anatomic areas.

What the course will help the attendees to do;

• Know how to maximise the use of their imaging equipment
• Understand the basic principles of radiographic interpretation
• Learn practical tips for ultrasound examinations
• Find out how to perform and interpret selected special radiographic techniques
• Learn how to perform ultrasound-guided fine needle aspirations

Learning objectives

By the end of this course delegates should have a thorough understanding of:

• Complementarity of radiography and ultrasound
• How to improve their radiographic and ultrasound examination technique
• Basic radiographic interpretative principles
• Some special radiographic techniques that can be performed in general practice
• The role of ultrasound-guided fine needle aspirations in case management