Illustrated Guide to Microsurgical Techniques in the Rat

The Illustrated Guide to Microsurgical Techniques in the Rat (with elements of surgical anatomy) by Dr Petros Mirilas [400 pages A4 size, 363 photos and 53 drawings] is intended for surgeons who want to learn microsurgery, while taking a class or working on their own in the laboratory, in order to use microsurgery in research or clinical practice. The guide comprises a series of course sessions with increasing complexity. The introductory part (Chapters 1-3) familiarizes the reader with the surgical microscope, microsurgical instruments and sutures, as well as handling and anesthesia of the laboratory rat. It is followed by the basic microsurgical techniques of suturing vessels and nerves (Chapters 4-7). Subsequently, the detailed microsurgical procedures (Chapters 8-21) are presented with increasing difficulty: from end-to-end and end-to-size anastomoses of vessels of larger diameter (aorta) to smaller vessels (inferior epigastric); from technically simple procedures to complicated ones. The last part (Chapters 22-31) is devoted to transplantations: inguinal skin flap, posterior limb, kidney, uterine horn-fallopian tube-ovary, heart. Elements of surgical anatomy are provided for mastery of each surgical field. Each chapter is accompanied by a one or two-page summary to be used on the laboratory bench during the operation. The book is written in an easy, user-friendly way to guide the reader during his/her learning adventure in microsurgery. Not an austere manual of technique, but a pleasant and effective Illustrated Guide.

Marc Goldstein (Weill Cornell Medical College, NY) writes in his prologue for this book: “This guide to microsurgical techniques in the rat is beautifully presented and illustrated…To my knowledge, this is the first book exclusively devoted to microsurgical experimental technique in the rat…Research and training in rats is mandatory prior to application in humans. Furthermore, the outcomes of microsurgical techniques in humans is very dependent on technique perfection, which is best attained by employing the techniques described in this outstanding book. I strongly recommend that this book be in every microsurgical laboratory and every department that employs microsurgical techniques in humans and for research in animals.”