A review of various techniques of orthotopic liver transplantation in the rat.

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in rat is a demanding procedure, which has become a popular model to investigate various problems. Our aim was to review and analyze the various techniques of experimental OLT in the rat. A review of the literature revealed 30 techniques or technical modifications. Each modification represented a change or a simplification of the reconstruction method of five anatomical structures, which are cornerstones of a successful OLT: the suprahepatic inferior vena cava (SHVC), portal vein (PV), infrahepatic inferior vena cava (IHVC), hepatic artery (HA), and bile duct (BD). SHVC is anastomosed via microsuture or cuff. The PV anastomosis is performed by microsuture, cuff, or a microsuture-temporary splint technique. IHVC is reconstructed by a microsuture, cuff, or microsuture-temporary splint technique. Arterialization has been accomplished via microsuture (aortic segment, celiac segment, or aortic patch), cuff, splint, sleeve, or telescopic method. Nonarterialization of the graft has also been described. Methods for BD reconstruction include pull-through, telescopic, splint, and T-tube. Although a high level of microsurgical skill is the basic requirement in the microsuture technique which provides the most physiological situation and concomitantly reduces thrombosis, it increases anhepatic time compared to the cuff procedure. The learning curve of microsuture techniques is flat; beginners need much practice to become expert. The most physiologic techniques for anastomoses are preferred for long-term survival studies, while the faster techniques are options for short-term survival studies. Each research group must choose techniques according to study defined aims.