OBJECTIVETo analyze the learning curve of gastric bypass procedure on rats model by a single operator.

METHODSFrom June 2013 to September 2013, two groups (group A and group B) of rats model were performed gastric bypass surgery, 60 rats for each group. Each group was divided into 3 stages according to sequence. The operative time and postoperative survival rate were compared between A group and B group at first, then among stages of each group.

RESULTSThere were no significant differences between A and B group in operative time and postoperative survival rate. However, the operative time significantly decreased in group AII( and AIII( compared with AI(, [(78.5±2.5) and (73.3±1.4) with (127.3±3.2) min, P<0.01]. The postoperative survival rate was increased in group AII( and AIII( than in the group AI(, [75%(15/20) and 85%(17/20) with 30%(6/20), P<0.05]. All results of 3 stages in group B was similar to group A.

CONCLUSIONFor an efficient and stable rate of successful model establishment, the researcher needs to operate about 20 rats to pass the learning curve of gastric bypass procedure.

Animals ; Gastric Bypass ; Learning Curve ; Operative Time ; Postoperative Period ; Rats ; Survival Rate