Rat models of lumbar intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration are widely employed to characterize biologic-based therapeutics, but their anatomy and small size preclude consistent delivery of injectable therapeutics to the lumbar spine via the traditional posterolateral approach. Here, we describe our experience with a repeat ventral transperitoneal approach in female Lewis rats, enabling induction of IVD degeneration and later intervention via an injectable therapeutic. In the initial surgery, the ventral aspect of the L5/L6 IVD was accessed, and an annular defect was created using a #11 scalpel blade. Eight weeks after the initial surgery, follow-up surgery was performed via the same approach, and an injectable gelatin hydrogel was delivered using a 31G needle. A custom injection guard was developed to control injection depth, ensuring consistent delivery to the nucleus pulposus. Notable challenges associated with repeat surgery were increased tissue adhesion, intraoperative bleeding, and difficulty placing the injection guard due to mobile gastrointestinal tissues. Complication rates were 9.4% and 15.6% for the initial and repeat surgeries, respectively. The most frequent complications associated with repeat surgery were transient neuropraxia and significant intraoperative bleeding (6.3% each). The repeat transperitoneal approach is a reproducible method to facilitate both injury and later intervention in a female rat model of lumbar IVD degeneration.

腰椎间盘 (IVD) 变性的大鼠模型被广泛用于表征基于生物的治疗方法，但它们的解剖结构和小尺寸妨碍了通过传统的后外侧方法向腰椎一致地递送可注射治疗剂。在这里，我们描述了我们在雌性 Lewis 大鼠中重复腹侧经腹膜方法的经验，能够诱导 IVD 变性并通过注射治疗进行后期干预。在最初的手术中，进入 L5/L6 IVD 的腹侧，并使用 #11 手术刀刀片创建环形缺损。初次手术后八周，通过相同的方法进行后续手术，并使用 31G 针头输送可注射的明胶水凝胶。开发了一种定制的注射防护装置来控制注射深度，确保持续输送至髓核。与重复手术相关的显着挑战是组织粘连增加、术中出血以及由于胃肠组织移动而难以放置注射防护装置。初次手术和重复手术的并发症发生率分别为 9.4% 和 15.6%。与重复手术相关的最常见并发症是短暂性神经失用和显着的术中出血（各为 6.3%）。重复经腹膜方​​法是一种可重复的方法，以促进损伤和后期干预腰椎 IVD 变性的雌性大鼠模型。初次手术和重复手术的并发症发生率分别为 9.4% 和 15.6%。与重复手术相关的最常见并发症是一过性神经失用症和显着的术中出血（各为 6.3%）。重复经腹膜方​​法是一种可重复的方法，以促进损伤和后期干预腰椎 IVD 变性的雌性大鼠模型。初次手术和重复手术的并发症发生率分别为 9.4% 和 15.6%。与重复手术相关的最常见并发症是一过性神经失用症和显着的术中出血（各为 6.3%）。重复经腹膜方​​法是一种可重复的方法，以促进损伤和后期干预腰椎 IVD 变性的雌性大鼠模型。