The Rabbit: A Good Animal Model for Teaching and Training in Pediatric Laparoscopic Surgery

Abstract

Purpose

: The smaller size of pediatric patients requires not only adequate endoscopic instruments but also an appropriate animal model for teaching and training pediatric minimally invasive surgery. The aim of this study was to validate the adult rabbit as a good training model.

Materials and Methods

: Eleven New Zealand adult white rabbits underwent minimally invasive surgery under anesthesia with intravenous ketamine. Standard 5-mm laparoscopic instruments, a CO₂ pneumoperitoneum at a pressure of 5 to 6 mm Hg, and monopolar coagulation or a harmonic scalpel (Ultracision™) were used.

Results

: After a first session of exploratory laparotomy, necropsy was performed to verify the laparoscopic anatomic findings. The following surgical procedures were performed: cholecystectomy, Nissen fundoplication, nephrectomy, splenectomy, inguinal hernia exploration, orchidopexy, spermatic vessel ligature, colonic devascularization, and simulated appendectomy with use of the bicornuate uterus. Most of the animals underwent two or more procedures. The surgical time ran between 55 and 105 minutes. The anesthesia and pneumoperitoneum were well tolerated.

Discussion

: The adult rabbit model allows most pediatric laparoscopic surgical techniques to be reproduced. Because of its low cost and small size, with small working laparoscopic fields resembling those in children, the rabbit appears to be a good model for teaching and training in pediatrics.