Experimental orthotopic liver transplantation in swine: initials results

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the initials results of the experimental orthotopic liver transplantation in swine at the Maranhão Federal University. Material and Methods: From April 2004 to April 2005, it was performed 18 liver transplantations in thirty- six female swine, Landrace weighting between 32 and 38 Kg. All animals were divided in two groups: pairs of donors and recipients, which received whole liver grafts. The surgical procedure was divided in four parts: harvested, back-table, hepatectomy of the recipient and re-implantation. It was assessed the mean systemic arterial pressure, central venous pressure, heart rate, pO2, pCO2, HCO3-, base excess, SO2, pH, Na+, K+, Cl-, Ca++. Also, it was recorded the perfusion, cold ischemia, surgery, back-table, anhepatic phase, and anastomosis. Results: It was found a long cold ischemia time, but the anastomosis of the supra-hepatic vena cava and portal vein were satisfactory, resulting in a short anhepatic phase time. Clinical and gasometric alterations were noted mainly during the reperfusion phase. It was also found alterations in the serum electrolytes, mainly in the sodium and cloride levels during the anhepatic phase and reperfusion. Conclusion: Experimental orthotopic liver transplantation in swine is able to improve the operative technique and to promote the development of research in liver transplant.