Even when performing multiple surgeries, any item coming into contact with the operative site must be sterile. Some instruments and other items may remain sterile between surgeries but care must be taken to replace any which do not. The surgical field, after being prepared as in A above, must be draped with a sterile material. All movements of the surgeon and assistants should be conducted in a manner which precludes contamination of the operative site. Their experience must be documented on the protocol form.
All available evidence indicates that rodents feel pain in a manner similar to humans.
The protocol must provide a detailed description of the anesthetic and pain management. Every protocol involving survival surgery on rodents must address each of the above areas of concern.