A technique for functional liver autotransplantation: Observations on survival, function, and regeneration of the autotransplant

Abstract

A two-stage technique for successful liver autotransplantation in the rat is described. In the first stage a portion of liver is attached to the spleen for the purpose of establishing adequate collateral circulation. Bile drainage is secured by catheterizing the bile duct of the autotransplant with a polyethylene tube. In the second stage, a portion of liver attached to the spleen is separated from the bulk of the liver and a Roux-en-Y hepatojejunostomy is performed. No difference in the histological appearance, the glucose-6-phosphatase activity, DNA, and protein contents between transplant and liver in situ could be demonstrated. After partial hepatectomy of the liver in situ incorporation of tritium-labeled thymidine was the same in the remnant in situ and in the autotransplant.