A modification to facilitate end-to-side portacaval anastomosis in rats: description of a modified technique

Abstract

Objective: To describe a modified technique of end-to-side portacaval shunt in the rat in order to simplify this relevant microsurgical model of liver disease.

Method: A loop in the distal end of the suture makes it easier both, the beginning and the end, of the portacaval anastomoses.

Conclusion: This surgical innovation decreases the technical difficulty of the portacaval shunt in the rat without adding complications, like portal hypertension related to anastomoses stenosis or hemorrhage.