Subtotal pancreatectomy in the male Wistar rat

Subtotal pancreatectomy was performed in the male Wistar rat in order to obtain a model for the study of pancreatic regeneration. Adherence to previously published techniques caused an unacceptably high operative mortality due to duodenal necrosis. The operation was modified after a detailed study of the duodenal vasculature was performed and this modification together with meticulous haemostasis enabled the procedure to be performed with an acceptable operative mortality. The procedure ensured that between 73 and 83% of the total pancreatic mass was removed.