A surgical approach to the reptile patient

Abstract

Reptile surgery, as well as owner expectations for the care of reptiles, is constantly evolving. It is essential that the unique anatomical and physiological differences between reptiles and mammal patients, as well as between reptiles of different groups, be fully understood before undertaking any surgery. All reptile patients should undergo a full clinical examination and be stabilised wherever possible before surgery, with the patient's preferred optimum temperature being ensured pre-, peri- and postoperatively to optimise drug metabolism and wound healing. It is important to optimise patient and surgeon positioning, use appropriately sized suture material, and maintain haemostasis, magnification and lighting to improve surgical technique, regardless of the procedure or organ system being operated on.