Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 18, 2025
Porcine Liver Transplantation Without Veno-Venous Bypass As an Extended Criteria Donor Model
Published on: August 17, 2022
A fast and easy-to-learn technique for liver resection in a porcine model
Ali Majlesara1, Jürgen Krause1, Elias Khajeh1
1Department of General, Visceral, and Transplantation Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
Objective:
Despite the recent advances in surgical techniques and perioperative care, liver resection (especially extended hepatectomy) is still a high-risk procedure with considerable morbidity and mortality. Experimental large animal models are the best option for studies in this regard. The present study was performed to present an easy-to-learn, fast, and multipurpose model of liver resection in a porcine model.
Method:
Stepwise liver resections (resection of segments II/III, IVa/IVb, and VIII/IV) were performed in eight pigs with intraoperative monitoring of hemodynamic parameters. The technical aspects, tips, and tricks of this method are explained in detail.
Results:
Based on the specific anatomical characteristics of the porcine liver, all resection types including segmental resection, hemihepatectomy, and extended hepatectomy could be performed in one animal in an easy-to-learn and fast technique. All animals were hemodynamically stable following stepwise liver resection.
Conclusion:
Stepwise liver resection using stapler in a porcine model is a fast and easy-to-learn method with which junior staff and research fellows can perform liver resection up to extended hepatectomy under stable conditions.
