Which anesthesia method is generally preferred for major mouse surgeries?

• A. Intraperitoneal injection
• B. Inhalation
• C. Oral sedation
• D. Topical anesthesia

Answer: (B)

Inhalation anesthesia is favored for major mouse surgeries because it offers precise, controllable depth of anesthesia over long procedures. Delivering an anesthetic gas (such as isoflurane or sevoflurane) in oxygen allows the depth to be easily titrated in real time, so you can deepen or lighten the plane as needed and maintain a stable level throughout the operation. When the surgery is finished, turning off the gas and flushing with oxygen leads to rapid and predictable recovery, which is especially important after lengthy or invasive procedures. This method also reduces the risk of overdose or underdose compared with injections, where onset and duration are less predictable once given. In contrast, intraperitoneal injection provides a single, less controllable dose; oral sedation is unreliable due to variable absorption; and topical anesthesia only covers surface sensation, not a surgical plane of anesthesia.