Precision technique for mouse splenectomy.

Set up isoflurane at 5% mixed with oxygen at 0.9 L/min fresh gas flow. Place mouse in secondary chamber with gas mixture and monitor until breathing rate drops below 60 breaths per minute.

Secure anesthetized mouse with paws taped to surgical board using nose cone delivery. Place protective covering between nose cone and neck to maintain anesthesia concentration.

Clean entire abdominal area with betadine swab, ensuring all hair and skin surfaces are covered to maintain sterility throughout the procedure.

Make midline incision at linea alba just below xiphoid process. Grasp omentum with forceps or sterile cotton swab to gently withdraw spleen and surrounding tissue from abdominal cavity.

Use eye cautery to divide all blood vessels and pancreatic tail attachments to the spleen while maintaining non-tooth forceps elevation. This technique prevents blood loss and tissue trauma.

Return spleen, pancreatic tail, and omentum to abdominal cavity. Visualize peritoneum and midline fascia, then close with absorbable vicryl sutures.

Approximate skin edges and close with interrupted 5-0 absorbable monocryl sutures, ensuring proper wound closure and edge alignment.

Observe mouse as it awakens from anesthesia shortly after surgery. Monitor for restoration of full motor function and normal exploratory behavior.