Policy & Guidelines for Research Projects that Include Multiple Survival Surgery

Background:

Surgical procedures are a common component of animal research protocols, and IACUCs are required to assess the details of these activities. Multiple major survival surgeries are discouraged by the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Guide) and the Animal Welfare Act (AWA).

Definition:

Major survival surgery is defined in the Guide as a surgery which “penetrates and exposes a body cavity or produces substantial impairment of physical or physiologic functions”.

Policy:

The IACUC may not approve the use of an animal in more than one major operative procedure from which the animal is allowed to recover unless:

	there is a scientific justification (e.g. related components of the same study) provided in writing and approved by the IACUC. Cost savings alone is not an adequate reason for performing multiple major survival surgery on animals.
	the surgeries are required as routine veterinary procedures or to protect the health or well-being of the animal as determined by the attending veterinarian.

Under special circumstances the IACUC can submit in writing to the USDA/APHIS Administrator, for review and possible approval, a description of other special situations that may require multiple major survival surgery.

Guidelines:

In accordance with federal regulations the IACUC is required to pay close attention to protocols that are approved for multiple major survival surgery. The veterinary staff and the IACUC will carefully monitor these protocols, with particular attention to post-operative care and record keeping throughout the duration of the study.

Resources:
Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, 1996 edition
USDA Regulations, 9 CFR (2.31 d.1.x)
IACUC Guidebook, 2^nd edition

REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY THE IACUC: JUNE 13, 2002