Preparation of animal model of chicken for lymphatic anastomosis technique training

Gland Surg. 2022 Mar;11(3):556-562. doi: 10.21037/gs-22-113.

Abstract

Background: To discuss the preparation of a simple and practical animal model for lymphatic anastomosis technology training. At present, there is no widely used animal model for training lymphatic anastomosis.

Methods: The neck of chicken is long enough, and there are abundant lymphatic lymph nodes. The caliber of lymphatic vessels in the neck of chicken is similar to the caliber of lymphatic vessels in human limbs, so multi-stage anastomosis practice can be carried out. The lymphatic vessels of chicken are easier to stain and fully exposed, which meets the requirements of lymphatic vein anastomosis model. This model allows for training of end-to-end anastomosis (LVA), end-to-side anastomosis, and lymph node vein anastomosis under microscope to be carried out. In this study, the trainees were divided into six groups, with five animals in each group. After 14-28 days of training, the average training was 21 days. Data were statistically analyzed by SPSS15.

Results: Obvious and clear lymphatic staining could be obtained after animal modeling, and the success rate of dissecting and staining lymphatic vessels under microscope could reach 100%. After training, the trainees could perform the anastomosis of lymphatic vessel and vein and lymph node vein under ultra-microscopic conditions, and the immediate patency rate of the anastomosis of the trainees can reach 80% during the examination.

Conclusions: This animal model can be used for effective lymphatic vein anastomosis training, which is a simple, practical, and effective microscopic lymphatic anastomosis technology training model.

Keywords: Animal model; lymphatic staining; lymphatic vein anastomosis; technology training.