Operative Techniques, Treatment, and Precaution of Common Complications of Orthotopic Rat Liver Transplantation

Abstract

<b>Objective</b> This study investigates operative techniques, treatment, and precaution for common complications of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in rats. <b>Methods</b> OLT was performed in 110 rats through modified two-cuff method. Operative techniques were concluded, and causes, treatment, and precaution of common complications were analyzed. <b>Results </b>In operation phase, main causes for rat death included anesthesia, airway obstruction, pneumothorax, hemorrhagic shock, long anhepatic time, and air embolism. After surgery, main causes for rat death were as follows: stoma bleeding, infection, obstruction, and necrosis of biliary tract and poor hepatic function restoration. <b>Conclusion </b>Improving operative techniques, modifying operative methods, and familiarizing with common complications can reduce occurrence of complications, heighten operative successful rate, and establish more stable models of OLT in rats.