Preparation of the Stereotaxic Surgical Procedure

Techniques of stereotaxic surgery are commonly used today in research laboratories. To meet the evolving requirements imposed by international legislation and to promote the implementation of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) by reducing experimental error, animal morbidity, and mortality, it is essential that standard technical procedures and proper conduct to follow during such complex surgeries be precisely described and respected. This chapter is conceived to respond to these needs by specifically addressing ways of conducting these procedures. Before starting a surgery, a conscientious attention must be paid to the general preoperatory conditions. The surgeon will check the healthy general condition of animals and the good functioning of surgical equipment. Also, special care must be taken to ensure that surgical equipment is correctly sterilized and that surgical asepsis is maintained throughout the surgery. Then, fundamental aspects of practical surgery such as setting up the animal in the stereotaxic instrument, preparation of the operating zone, incision and exposure of the cranial surface, taking stereotaxic landmarks, taking correct coordinates, and wound suturing are covered. Particular emphasis is placed on the best way to apply and optimize anesthesia and on anticipation, evaluation, and treatment of animal pain during and after surgery. The chapter ends by a list of postoperative follow-up procedures that should be applied to the animal and surgical instruments.