Rodent Survival Surgery
University of South Florida
Batch Surgery   
Rodents are typically done in larger numbers or “batches” of animals to provide the statistical ‘n’ needed for a given model.
Often, these numbers preclude the ability to provide separate instrument packs for each animal.
Rodents undergoing survival surgery are treated the same way as any other larger species in that the rules of asepsis apply.
Considerations of “batching”
Shared instruments and supplies are common when performing batch surgeries.
However - - -
Asepsis must be maintained throughout the procedure.
Asepsis must be regained between animals.
Anesthetic induction, recovery and monitoring methods of rodents is as important as with other species!

Preparation of the Instruments
ALL instruments must be sterilized prior to use.
The following are acceptable methods:
Steam – must follow manufacture’s recommendations regarding time/temp/pressure.
Chemical – must follow manufacture’s recommendations regarding solution concentration, contact time and rinsing of agent.
Gas – must follow manufacture’s directions regarding exposure time and pack contents.
Plan It Out
Arrange your instruments in a tray, dish or bowl to protect them and provide yourself a safe storage area for them between surgeries.
Provide two bowls of some sort; one for sterile water and one for sterile saline or PBS/instrument storage.
Identify disposable supplies you will place in the pack, if any (gauze, drapes, cotton tipped applicators, etc.  Note - Gas sterilization can preclude  inclusion of absorbable materials):
Identify project-specific consumables you will place in the pack:
Appliances, catheters, needles, syringes, screws, etc.
How Many Surgeries Per Pack?
This will  vary depending on project and surgeon’s skill. General guidelines -
Is it major or minor surgery? Minor surgeries allow for more animals per pack.
Is the procedure long? Longer surgeries mean increased exposure of the tissues, which can lead to higher risk.  Therefore, less animals are done per pack.
Is the surgeon skilled or novice? More experience supports better tissue handling skills and faster open-to- close times, allowing an experienced surgeon to perform more surgeries per pack.
Ways to Minimize Contamination Between Animals
Wipe down all surrounding surfaces and associated equipment with Clidox®, Sporicidin®, or other approved sanitizer.
Counters, hood surfaces, lights, bead sterilizers, anesthesia machine.
Keep airflow and traffic to a minimum around the surgical station.
Designate “drop zones” for dirty/used items
Setting the Stage   
It is important to set up the surgical station prior to beginning any manipulations of an animal.
Open the pack’s outer layer (all packs should be double wrapped).
Open any needed sterile items (e.g., suture, needles, syringes) not in the pack and drop by the pack/inside the sterile field.
Don sterile gloves and peel back the inside layer, picking up and arranging newly opened sterile items.
Empty bowls  of contents and place face up.
Arrange equipment, supplies and instruments in a manner that facilitates aseptic technique.