Proposition of technique modification of liver harvesting in orthotopic transplantation in pigs

Abstract

Introduction: taking into consideration the technical complexity involved in liver transplantation, the anesthetic-surgical team training, through experimental surgery on animals, has been considered a fundamental step before clinical application. Objective: to describe the technique modification of liver harvesting in orthotopic transplantation in pigs. Methods: seven sows Sus escrofa were used. The animals were previously anesthetized and placed in trans-operative monitoring; followed by the harvest of the organ by means of a different sequence than the reported by the literature, in which the liver vessels are handled in a clockwise direction. Results: the average time of hepatic harvesting was 84.4 minutes and the time of each anatomical structure dissection was considered satisfactory. Conclusion: the technique of liver harvesting in orthotopic transplantation in pigs described is viable, effective and reproducible, enabling the training of professionals and academics.