Serdang: Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) has introduced a fish surgery method based on a recirculating anaesthesia system, marking a new advancement in the treatment of aquatic life. The innovation, known as the Fish Anaesthetic Delivery System, was developed to enable surgical procedures on fish to be carried out more safely and systematically, while maintaining a continuous supply of oxygen throughout treatment.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, veterinary officer Dr Mohd Fuad Matori from the Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, UPM, stated that this technology is the result of more than 15 years of research. "The system delivers oxygenated water combined with anaesthetic agents directly to the fish's gills, allowing surgical procedures to be performed outside of water while maintaining respiratory support," he explained in a statement today.
Dr Mohd Fuad elaborated that a laparotomy demonstration procedure was performed on tilapia as a model species. This procedure involves several key stages, including anaesthesia induction, surgical incision, suturing, and post-operative care. "The entire procedure takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes before the fish is transferred to a specialised recovery tank. Following surgery, the fish are monitored in a dedicated tank for 10 to 14 days before sutures are removed, while complete wound healing may take up to 30 days," he detailed.
Throughout the procedure, antiseptics and antibiotics are used to minimise the risk of infection, and biopsy samples are collected for microscopic examination and research purposes. The method is currently being applied in research and treatment of high-value ornamental fish such as koi, goldfish, and arowana, particularly for tumour removal and correction of physical abnormalities.
Dr Mohd Fuad emphasized that this innovation is expected to enhance the country's growing aquaculture industry, especially in fish health management, breeding, and treatment. He noted that developing expertise in fish health is crucial as the aquaculture sector is closely linked to national food security and the fisheries industry, while also reflecting UPM's commitment to high-impact research that benefits both industry and society.