The absence of formal training in surgical principles can lead to a lack of understanding of the equal significance of both technically correct surgery and pre- and post-operative care of animals. Consideration of both the surgery itself and the peri-operative care of animals will result in an increase in animal welfare and the quality of data obtained from the surgical model. For example, subclinical post-surgical infection can confound results, as can changes in behavior and physiology seen with pain. This course will help to build a strong foundation of knowledge and skill in rodent surgery and allow to train on simple procedures. We will learn about rodent surgery best practice, pre-and postoperative care, ondemand surgical techniques, and animal welfare in the surgical setting Topics
Theoretical: 1. Principles of Surgical Asepsis 2. Surgical Instrumentation, Care and Handling of Surgical Equipment 3. Biomaterials, glues, clips, suture materials and Suture Patterns 4. Preoperative, Intraoperative and postoperative Care 5. Preparation of the Operative Site 6. Wounds and basic principles of wound management, and bleeding control 7. Principles of Anesthesia and analgesia under experimental constraints 8. Surgical Infections and Antibiotic Selection (experimental limitations) 9. Model specific topographic anatomy
Practical: Hands-on training based on attendees needs and tips and tricks for the techniques of interest Basic non surgical procedures (intubation, gavage, iv injection, blood collection, intra-articular injections, intrathecal injection) Surgical procedures, examples: intra-cranial injection, Head post implantation, transplantation under the kidney capsule, nephrectomy, splenectomy, catheterization CSF collection, Orthotopic transplantation models: pancreas, mammary fat pad, prostate