Hepatic arterial reconstruction for orthotopic liver transplantation in the rat

Background: Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) models in rats have been investigated in many studies. The reconstruction of hepatic artery is required for reliable OLT and also requires advanced skills.

Methods: The hepatic artery reconstructions by a hand-suture technique and a new method using a micro T-tube were investigated in rats with a whole-liver syngeneic graft. Operative time and postoperative patency were compared between the hand-suture and micro T-tube techniques.

Results: Our technique using the micro T-tube shortened the operative time of recipient surgery compared with the hand-suture technique and prolonged the operative time for the donor. The patency ratio was maintained at 24h after OLT with hand suturing but was significantly reduced with the micro T-tube, which had a patency ratio of 0.83 only up to 6h after OLT.

Conclusion: The micro T-tube technique may have potential usefulness in the rat OLT model but requires further modification.