[Orthotopic liver transplantation in the rat using cuff techniques for anastomoses of three hepatic vessels]

This report describes in detail a method for orthotopic liver transplantation in the rat. Cuff techniques were applied to all three anastomoses at the supra- and infrahepatic inferior vena cava and the portal vein. In the last 40 grafts, the survival rate after one week was 85% and the cumulative survival rate after nine months was 54.4%. This method simplified the technique and shortened the time of grafting, eliminating microvascular suture techniques. This model could be of use for the study of rejection phenomenon and enhancement after allografting as well as evaluation of viability of isograft after preservation.