A technical note on low cost rat laparoscopy an initial experience

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate a novel and adapted low-cost set model for laparoscopic surgery in rats. Methods: Nine Wistar rats underwent two different laparoscopic procedures, splenectomy (n=3) and distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy (n = 6), after assembling a low-cost set replacing the conventional one (monitor, micro camera, image processor, light source, laparoscope and insufflator). The new set included an Android Tablet 10.5 ", a 5mm USB Endoscope and semiautomatic sphygmomanometer monitor. Results: The same surgeon performed the laparoscopic procedures. Total surgical time ranged from 36 to 60 minutes with a mean of 45.8 minutes. Three rats died during the distal pancreatic and splenectomy procedure (33.3%), due to respiratory failure (n = 1), uncontrolled abdominal hemorrhage (n=1) and iatrogenic gastric perforation (n = 1). We followed the other six rats (66.6%) for seven days with no further evidence of complications. Conclusions: The laparoscopic partial pancreatectomy and splenectomy can be performed with the novel low-cost set assembled in the present experimental study. Both specific training and skills development are required to validate more advanced laparoscopic procedures and achieve a desirable outcome.

Perioperative care in an animal model for training in abdominal surgery: is it necessary a preoperative fasting? / Cuidados perioperatórios em modelo animal de treinamento em cirurgia abdominal: é necessário jejum pré-operatório?

PURPOSE: Demonstrate that the rabbit may be used in the training of surgery, in addition to present its perioperative care. METHODS: Thirty two animals, with age and weight, respectively, from 3 to 5.5 months old and 3000 to 4200 grams, were undergone different periods of pre-operative fasting, exclusive intramuscular anesthesia (ketamine+xylazine), laparotomy with total gastrectomy and total splenectomy. It was dosed the pre-operative (initial) and post-surgical (end) serum blood glucose, in addition to quantify the gastric content after the resection of the part. RESULTS: The anesthetical-surgical procedure presented a mortality rate of 3.125 percent (1:32) and a morbidity rate of 6.25 percent (2:32). It was evidenced an initial mean blood glucose = 199.4 mg/dl and the end = 326.1 mg/dl. In spite of extended fasting (minimum of 2 hours for the absolute fasting and maximum of 8.5 hours for liquids, and 20.5 hours for solids) all animals presented at the end of the surgical procedure any gastric content and a blood glucose increase. Those with fasting for liquids and solids when compared to the quantity of solid gastric content, presented a moderate negative degree of correlation. CONCLUSION: The rabbit is a good model to be used in training of surgery, with a low morbi-mortality, able to be anesthetized intramuscularly, with no need of pre-operative fasting and does not present hypoglycemia even with the extended fasting period.

OBJETIVO: Demonstrar que o coelho pode ser utilizado no treinamento em cirurgia, além de apresentar seus cuidados perioperatórios. MÉTODOS: Trinta e dois animais, com idade e peso respectivamente, entre 3 a 5,5 meses e 3000 a 4200 gramas, foram submetidos a variados tempos de jejum pré-operatório, anestesia intramuscular exclusiva (quetamina+xilasina), laparotomia com gastrectomia e esplenectomia totais. Dosou-se a glicemia sérica pré-operatória (inicial) e pós-cirúrgica (final), além de quantificado o conteúdo gástrico pós-gastrectomia. RESULTADOS: O procedimento anestésico-cirúrgico apresentou taxa de mortalidade de 3,125 por cento (1:32) e morbidade de 6,25 por cento (2:32). Evidenciou-se glicemia média inicial = 199,4 mg/dl e final = 326,1 mg/dl. Apesar de jejuns prolongados (mínimo de 2 horas para jejum absoluto e máximo de 8,5 horas para líquidos, e 20,5 horas para sólidos) todos os animais apresentaram no final do procedimento cirúrgico algum conteúdo gástrico e aumento da glicemia. Aqueles com jejum para líquidos e sólidos quando comparados com a quantidade de conteúdo gástrico sólido e total apresentaram grau moderadamente negativo de correlação linear. CONCLUSÃO: O coelho é um bom modelo para ser utilizado em treinamento de cirurgia, com baixa morbimortalidade, passível de ser anestesiado por via intramuscular, sem necessidade de jejum pré-operatório e ausência de hipoglicemia.