A technique for hepatopancreaticoduodenal cluster transplantation in the rat

A new technique for combined hepatopancreaticoduodenal transplantation in the rat is described. The composite cluster graft consists of an orthotopic arterialized liver graft in anatomical continuity with the pancreaticoduodenal part that is placed heterotopically into the recipient. A separate arterial anastomosis of the liver and a bile duct anastomosis are not necessary, since these structures are left intact in the hepatoduodenal ligament. Bile and exocrine pancreas secretions drain over the duodenal conduit of the graft into the recipient jejunum via an end-to-side anastomosis. This model adds a new transplantation technique to existing microsurgical models.