Figure 2

Optimized operative set-up developed during the pilot study. The rat is in a dorsal position, tail up and head down. Maximum surgical comfort was achieved using a 2.7-mm 30° Hopkins® optic (Karl Storz GmbH & Co KG) in combination with 2- and 3-mm endoscopic instruments (Karl Storz GmbH & Co KG). The photograph shows three trocars: (A) 3-mm camera and insufflation trocar, (B) 2-mm working trocar and (C) 3-mm working trocar.