[Fundamental aspects on animal research as applied to experimental surgery]

This study aimed to present the general principles for experiments performed on laboratory animals as required by international and national ethical committees on animal welfare. Compliance to these principles is a prerequisite for publication in international journals. Details of genetic, sanitary and environmental standards, transportation, acclimation, environmental enrichment, appropriate education and training of all those involved in handling of live animals, information management strategy, biossecurity, diet, anesthesia, analgesia, postoperative care and euthanasia for Mus musculus (mice), Rattus norvegicus (rat), Oryctolagus cuniculus (rabbit) and Sus scropha domesticus (pig) combined with well planned biomedical research are fundamental to increase the accuracy, reproducibility and precision of the experimental results.