Anesthetic protocol for videolaparoscopic surgery in rabbits

Saline-filled laparoscopic surgery: A basic study on partial hepatectomy in a rabbit model

BACKGROUND

There is still a poor understanding of the effects of pneumoperitoneum with insufflation of carbon dioxide gas (CO2) on malignant cells, and pneumoperitoneum has a negative impact on cardiopulmonary responses. A novel saline-filled laparoscopic surgery (SAFLS) is proposed, and the technical feasibility of performing saline-filled laparoscopic partial hepatectomy (LPH) was evaluated in a rabbit model.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twelve LPH were performed in rabbits, with six procedures performed using an ultrasonic device with CO2 pneumoperitoneum (CO2 group) and six procedures performed using a bipolar resectoscope (RS) in a saline-filled environment (saline group). Resection time, CO2 and saline consumption, vital signs, blood gas analysis, complications, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured. The effectiveness of the resections was evaluated by the pathological findings.

RESULTS

LPH was successfully performed with clear observation by irrigation and good control of bleeding by coagulation with RS. There were no significant differences in all perioperative values, IL-1βand CRP levels between the two groups. All pathological specimens of the saline group showed that the resected lesions were coagulated and regenerated as well as in the CO2 group.

CONCLUSIONS

SAFLS is feasible and provides a good surgical view with irrigation and identification of bleeding sites.

Perioperative care in an animal model for training in abdominal surgery: is it necessary a preoperative fasting?

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% (1:32) and a morbidity rate of 6.25% (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.

Comparison between the anesthetic induction times in the first and second surgery in rabbits

PURPOSE

To compare the anesthetic induction time (IT) in the first and second surgery in rabbits.

METHODS

Eighteen rabbits, weighing between 1.825 and 2.980 kg. The anesthetic protocol consisted of premedication of ketamine and xylazine intramuscularly. The rabbits were anesthetized and the induction time was evaluated by compressing the animal's ear every 30 seconds. The IT was measure and than a saphenous vein surgery was made on the rabbit. Seven days after the first procedure, the same anesthetic protocol was performed and measuring the second IT.

RESULTS

It was observed an increase of 50 seconds on the average value of second IT in relation to the average value of first. The IT variation between the first and second anesthetic procedure was between 0 and eight minutes for each animal. In 94.4% of the animals, there was variation greater than 30 seconds between the IT.

CONCLUSION

There was difference between the first and second induction time in almost animals. There was an increase on the average value of second IT in relation to the average value of first.

Technique of blind tracheal intubation in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculi) supported by previous maneuver of esophageal cannulization

PURPOSE: To describe and evaluate a modified technique of blind orotraqueal intubation in rabbits, by supporting of previous cannulization of the esophagus. METHODS: Twelve New Zealand rabbits, weighing between 2,780 a 4,140 kg were anesthetized with xilazine (3mg/Kg) and ketamine (20mg/Kg). The animals were positioned in ventral decubitus with the head hyperextend. With one of the hands the anesthetist with the index and thumb fingers positioned in the labial fissures carry on the opening of animal oral cavity. The esophagus was previously cannulized with a tube # 3.5 (3.5mm ID), obstructing its lumen. The trachea lumen was intubated with a probe # 2.5 (2.5mm ID). The positioning of the probe was confirmed through the oscillatory movement of a gauze filament put at outside extremity of tube, resulting from the inspiratory and expiratory flow. RESULTS: The success index was of 100%. CONCLUSIONS: This technique is of easy execution, high success index, sparing the use of several devices for visualization of the larynx and glottis. No complications were observed. It also serves for short period training of human resources.