Experimental orthotopic small bowel transplantation: a revised model

Small bowel transplantation is emerging as an alternative treatment for end-stage intestinal failure. To date, immunological and technical problems are still hampering clinical success. Functional experimental small bowel transplantation models have traditionally been plagued with a high technical complication rate. The purpose of this study was to describe in detail the harvesting and transplantation procedure in rats. In this paper the technical aspects of the one-stage, isogenic orthotopic partial small bowel transplantation model with systemic drainage are illustrated. Because of the achieved acceptable survival rate and the favourable functional outcome, the model is considered reliable and reproducible.