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Question 50#

Which one of the following is true regarding fundamental experimental microsurgical procedures?

A. Sun Lee’s portocaval shunt operation in the rat was the first published procedure initiating the development of experimental microsurgery
B. Kidney transplantation in a rat was the first published experimental microsurgical procedure
C. Anastomoses of microvessels can be performed by cuff technique only
D. Tissue transplantation can not be completed without vascular anastomoses
E. None of the above is true

Correct Answer is A

Comment:

Sun Lee’s portocaval shunt operation in the rat was the first published procedure initiating the development of experimental microsurgery. The end-to-side portocaval shunt was perfected in the rat by Dr. Sun Lee (Sil Heung Lee) in 1958, published in 1961. It was the beginning of experimental microsurgery and opened the way to perform various organ and tissue transplantation procedures in rats and mice using advanced microsurgical techniques. Dr. Bernard Fisher (University of Pittsburg, USA) said in his book: “Do you know what you have done just now? You have opened an avenue to conduct allied physiological research, transplantation investigation…” Later Sun Lee developed and refined rat pancreatico-duodenum, liver, stomach, spleen, and heart-lung transplants.

References:

  1. Lee SH, Fisher B. Portacaval shunt in the rat. Surgery 1961; 50: 668-72.
  2. Zhong R. ‘Father’ of experimental microsurgery: Dr. Sun Lee. Microsurgery 2003; 23: 412-3.