A modified technique to make a portacaval shunt in rats

A simplified technique to make an end-to-side or a side-to-side portacaval shunt in rats is described. The method requires no expensive special microsurgical instruments, and when the technique is completely mastered, one can make a portacaval shunt within 10 minutes. This is very useful when making many experimental models in rats. Moreover, this technique is fundamental for doctors who are intending to train in microsurgery.