Coelomic Endoscopy of the Green Iguana, Iguana iguana
J Herpe Med Surg 14[1]:10-18 Spring'04 Case Report 7 Refs

This is the first study evaluating coelomic endoscopy in any reptile species, and describes a bilateral coelioscopic technique that was performed on 32 juvenile green iguanas, Iguana iguana, under general anesthesia using a 2.7 mm telescope system. The levels of difficulty to enter the coelom, insufflate the coelomic cavity, and visualize the viscera were objectively scored by the endoscopists. In addition, the level of difficulty to locate and examine the coelomic organs and structures were objectively scored. Endoscope entry, insufflation, and general coelomic visualization were straightforward. Results indicated that there was no significant difference between left and right visualization scores for lung, liver, pancreas, small intestine, large intestine, ovary, oviduct, testis, epididymis, vas deferens, bladder, fat body, or kidney. However, a left lateral approach to the heart, stomach, and spleen, and a right lateral approach to the gall bladder and adrenal gland were significantly superior (P < 0.05). In conclusion, endoscopy is advocated as a safe and effective method for the detailed examination of coelomic viscera in the green iguana. [Abstract]