Source: Kay Stewart, RVT, RLATG, CMAR; Valerie A. Schroeder, RVT, RLATG. University of Notre Dame, IN

The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals¹ dictates that rodent survival surgery be performed aseptically. Aseptic technique utilizes specific practices that minimize the contamination of the surgical site, including patient preparation, surgeon preparation, sterilization of instruments and other supplies, and the use of a clean and controlled environment. Presurgical planning, intraoperative monitoring, and postoperative care are essential for successful recovery of animals from survival surgeries.

1.  Presurgical Planning

Although the guidelines do not require that rodent surgeries be performed in a dedicated surgical facility, the area used must be sanitized with an appropriate hard surface disinfectant, which should be used in accordance with the manufacturer's listed concentrations and contact times. The area should also be kept free of clutter, and not be in the direct line of the supply and exhaust ducts, as the drafts could contribute to hypothermia of the animal. Access to

Through the use of aseptic technique, the incidence of postsurgical infection is greatly curtailed. Minimizing tissue trauma during the procedure, taking precautions to prevent hypothermia, controlling postoperative pain and discomfort, and the use of nutritional supplements until the animal is able to ambulate normally will all reduce the extent of negative metabolic responses to the surgical process and increase the probability of a successful survival surgery.