surgeryIII is any invasive operative procedure in which a more extensive resection is performed, e.g. a body cavity is entered, organs are removed, or normal anatomy is altered. In general, if a mesenchymal barrier is opened (pleural cavity, peritoneum, meninges), the surgery is considered major. For surgical procedures that do not clearly fall in the above categories, the chance for significant inadvertent microbial contamination is to be a primary consideration. Generally, the classification of major will be applied only to procedures in which the animal is anticipated to survive longer than 24 hours. If the animal is to be terminated in less than 24 hours, techniques applicable to minor surgical procedures may be used. A procedure previously classified as minor will be changed to major if microbial contamination proves to be a significant problem. In general, the standards for major surgery apply only to non-rodent species. However, if microbial contamination proves to be a significant problem with procedures carried out in rodents, the standards for non-rodent species must be applied.
All major surgical procedures in non-rodent species must use appropriate surgical techniques and must be conducted in facilities intended for survival surgery and used only for that purpose. The facilities must be designed and managed to insure a level of sanitation appropriate for aseptic surgery. The operating room should contain only the equipment and supplies required to support the procedure being performed. A separate area, apart from the surgery room, must be provided for preparing the animal for surgery although the final surgical preparation, not to include clipping of hair, may be conducted in the surgery. An area equipped with surgical scrub sinks should be apart from the operating room. A surgical-support area should be provided for storing instruments and sterile supplies and for washing and sterilizing instruments. With this syllabus, the learner will benefit the compiled theoretical and practical skills as finisher leading him to the qualification of Veterinary technician.Â