MONITORING OF MURINE COLONIC TUMORS BY OPTICAL COLONOSCOPY

The animal is anesthetized during the procedure and is given a single intraperitoneal injection of buprenorphine while under anesthesia to mitigate residual pain. Its colon is cleaned with an enema of warm phosphate buffered saline solution. A small endoscope is inserted through the anus and the colon is insufflated with air through the endoscope sheath. The sheath also has a working channel which accommodates a needle for tattooing and biopsy, forceps for biopsy, or snare for polypectomy. High resolution still images and video can be captured throughout the procedure