How are surgeries performed on rats? - briefly
Rats are anesthetized with inhalant or injectable agents, the operative area is shaved, disinfected, and the procedure is performed using microsurgical tools under a stereomicroscope. Post‑operative analgesia is provided and the animal is observed until it regains normal activity.
How are surgeries performed on rats? - in detail
Surgical work on laboratory rodents follows a standardized sequence to ensure reproducibility, animal welfare, and data integrity.
Pre‑operative preparation begins with health screening, identification, and acclimatization. Animals are fasted for a short period (typically 2–4 hours) to reduce gastric contents. Analgesic regimens—often a combination of non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs and opioids—are administered before incision to mitigate pain. Anesthetic induction uses inhalational agents such as isoflurane or injectable mixtures (e.g., ketamine‑xylazine). Depth of anesthesia is confirmed by loss of pedal reflex and stable respiratory rate; body temperature is maintained with a heating pad and monitored throughout.
The surgical field is shaved and disinfected with sequential applications of 70 % ethanol and an iodine‑based solution. Sterile drapes isolate the operative site. A sterile instrument set—including micro‑scissors, forceps, needle holders, and retractors—is arranged on a tray. Microsurgical sutures (6‑0 to 10‑0) and appropriate suturing material (e.g., absorbable polyglactin) are prepared.
Incision technique varies with the target organ. For abdominal access, a midline or flank incision of 5–10 mm is made using a scalpel blade. Tissue layers are separated bluntly or with fine scissors, and the organ of interest is exteriorized with minimal traction. Hemostasis is achieved with micro‑cautery or pressure applicators. Specific procedures—such as tumor implantation, vascular anastomosis, or nerve transection—require additional steps:
- Tumor implantation – a syringe delivers a defined cell suspension into the organ parenchyma; the needle tract is sealed with tissue glue.
- Vascular anastomosis – micro‑vascular clamps isolate the vessel; end‑to‑end suturing with 10‑0 nylon restores continuity.
- Nerve manipulation – the sciatic nerve is exposed, transected, or crushed using calibrated forceps; the wound is closed without tension.
After the intervention, the incision is closed in layers: peritoneum and muscle with interrupted absorbable sutures, skin with either sutures, wound clips, or tissue adhesive. A sterile dressing may be applied. Post‑operative care includes continued analgesia (e.g., buprenorphine every 8–12 hours), monitoring of respiratory and circulatory parameters, and assessment of recovery score. Animals are returned to a temperature‑controlled cage and observed for at least 24 hours for signs of distress, bleeding, or infection.
Documentation records anesthetic agents, dosages, surgical duration, intra‑operative complications, and postoperative observations. This systematic approach enables precise experimental control while adhering to ethical standards for rodent surgery.