Common indications for coeliotomies include dystocia and related problems, abscesses and exploratory surgery especially for taking biopsies. Consider magnification for small snakes. The coeliotomy incision is usually made lateral to the ventral scales between the first two rows of lateral scales (between the scales rather than through them). This will allow eversion of the skin without any distortion when suturing. There are three layers to incise – skin, muscle and pleuroperitoneum. When closing, muscle and pleuroperitoneum can be sutured together. | Common indications for coeliotomies include dystocia and related problems, abscesses and exploratory surgery especially for taking biopsies. Consider magnification for small snakes. The coeliotomy incision is usually made lateral to the ventral scales between the first two rows of lateral scales (between the scales rather than through them). This will allow eversion of the skin without any distortion when suturing. There are three layers to incise – skin, muscle and pleuroperitoneum. When closing, muscle and pleuroperitoneum can be sutured together. |