Effect of Different Suprahepatic Vena Cava Reconstruction Methods on the Hemodynamics of Rats after Liver Transplantation

BACKGROUND: There are few studies on the hemodynamic changes after orthotopic liver transplantation in rats. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of different suprahepatic vena cava (SHVC) reconstruction methods on the hemodynamics of rats after liver transplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three rat liver transplantation groups were created according to the SHVC reconstruction method: Kamada’s two-cuff technique, a modified veno-lined stent technique, and Harihara’s three-cuff technique. Ten rats of similar weight were grouped as the control. Anatomical, ultrasonic, and hemodynamic parameters and the microcirculation of the liver were measured after transplantation. The detailed operation time, operative complications, and animal survival were recorded. RESULTS: All the recipients showed portal hypertension one month after transplantation. The portal hypertension in the group with the modified veno-lined stent technique was the most severe. The value measured with real-time elastography was significantly higher in the recipients using the modified veno-lined stent technique than in the other two groups (P<0.01). There was no difference in the graft microcirculation after reperfusion among the three groups. The survival rate of the three groups displayed no difference, but the modified veno-lined stent technique led to more venous complications than the other two techniques. CONCLUSIONS: The hemodynamics after liver transplantation in rats is determined not only by the cuff used for portal vein reconstruction but also by the cuff or stent for the SHVC. Some SHVC reconstruction methods, such as the modified veno-lined stent technique, Miyata’s or Settaf’s three-cuff techniques, significantly affect the hemodynamics.