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Surgical technique for combined intestine–auxiliary liver transplantation in rats: Development of a new microsurgical model
Author(s) -
Chen Yu Xin,
Sato Motomichi,
Watanabe Yuji,
Kashu Yasuaki,
Kikkawa Hiroyuki,
Suzuki Hideaki,
Kohtani Takashi,
Miyauchi Katsutoshi,
Kito Katsumi,
Kawachi Kanji
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
microsurgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.031
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1098-2752
pISSN - 0738-1085
DOI - 10.1002/1098-2752(2001)21:1<1::aid-micr1000>3.0.co;2-o
Subject(s) - medicine , microsurgery , liver transplantation , surgery , transplantation
Combined liver–intestine transplantation is an evolving procedure, and auxiliary liver transplantation has several advantages over standard orthotopic liver transplantation. We present a new model of combined intestine–auxiliary liver transplantation in rats. Total small bowel and 60% liver were harvested en bloc. An aortic segment that contained the celiac axis and superior mesenteric artery ensured blood supply to the graft. Venous drainage of the grafted intestine was achieved via the intact portal vein of the graft. The infrahepatic vena cava was cut at different levels during the modification period and at the oblique level of the left renal vein in consecutive series. Revascularization was accomplished by end‐to‐side anastomosis of the aorta and of the infrahepatic vena cava. The recipient small bowel was resected and the intestine continuity restored by anastomosis. Total operation time averaged 130 min. The overall survival rate of 3 months in the consecutive series was 80% (16/20). Exploratory laparatomy and histologic study in 3 rats on 90 days after transplantation revealed normal and viable grafts. Liver function was normal and both grafted liver and intestine showed normal histologic architectures in 5 rats observed for 12 months after transplantation. The present model is reproducible and allows preclinical research on several aspects of experimental combined intestine–auxiliary liver transplantation. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MICROSURGERY 21:1–5 2001