Adrenalectomy (ADX)

Available in: Rats and Mice Anesthetics Analgesic
Pre-Operative Procedures Intra-Operative Care Post-Operative Care

Surgical Preparation

The animal is anesthetized and clipped over the abdominal region. Sterile eye lubricant is placed in both eyes, and the clipped skin area over the abdomen is surgically prepared. The animal is placed in dorsal recumbency on a surgery board fitted with a sterile board drape. Analgesic is administered.

Surgical Description

The surgical site is draped with a sterile drape. To expose the adrenal gland, a small (1-3 cm) skin incision is made right (or left) of the midline at the level of the kidneys. The skin is retracted, and a transverse incision is made to the body wall exposing the adrenal fat. Further retraction may be necessary to clearly expose the adrenal gland. Once located, the gland is removed at its base. To remove the second gland, the same procedures are repeated on the opposite side of the midline.

Surgical Closing

The ventral incisions are closed with approved closing materials (suture or stainless steel clips), and the surgery sites are treated with an approved disinfectant followed by an alcohol swabbing.

Sham

A standard sham adrenalectomy model is prepared as described above with regards to surgical site preparation, dissection of the abdomen, retraction, exposure of the adrenal fat and gland, closing, and surgical site disinfection; however, no tissue is removed.