Laparoscopic Partial Hepatectomy in the Rat: A New Resectional Technique

Abstract

Background: Rats are widely used for basic research in laparoscopic surgery. We have developed a new technique of laparoscopic partial hepatectomy in the rat. Methods: 40 American Cancer Institute rats were randomized into 3 groups. Group A (n = 14) underwent laparoscopic liver resection using a CO₂ pneumoperitoneum. Group B (n = 14) was operated on with a gasless laparoscopic technique using a lifting device. A control group C (n = 12) underwent conventional open liver resection. In each group half of the animals underwent single lobectomy and the other half bilobectomy. Results: The liver resection was performed successfully in all 40 rats. No conversion to open surgery was necessary. No mortality or morbidity was observed. Conclusions: This new technique of laparoscopic partial hepatectomy proved to be feasible and safe. It is the first description of a laparoscopic hepatic resection in the rat that could prove valuable in further investigations of liver physiology and pathology.

Helium pneumoperitoneum reduces tumor recurrence after curative laparoscopic liver resection in rats in a tumor-bearing small animal model

“…In this study, we established an in vivo model to investigate the impact of the described insufflation gases on malignant growth and metastatic spread after laparoscopic resection of a primary liver tumor. In contrast to the laparoscopic resection technique described by Kra¨henbu¨hl et al [9], we used a wire loop and coagulation method [10]. Laparoscopic procedures were compared to the conventional surgical technique of open partial hepatectomy.…”

“…The period of 10 days was determined in previous experiments to be the ideal length of time in which the implanted tumor grows to an acceptable size without infiltrating neighboring organs or developing distant metastasis. The implantation technique was described previously [9,10,25]. All rats were anesthetized with xylazine (8 mg/kg body weight) intramuscularly (im) and ketamine (100 mg/kg body weight) im throughout all surgical procedures and respiratory status was monitored.…”

“…In this experiment, we established a small animal model to study the effects of various insufflation gases for the establishment of pneumoperitoneum on the postoperative development of tumor recurrence and metastasis after laparoscopic resection of a primary liver tumor (Morris hepatoma 3924A) [9,10]. Furthermore, the results of laparoscopic partial hepatectomy were compared to those of conventional open resection.…”

Comparison of laparoscopic versus conventional technique in colonic and liver resection in a tumor-bearing small animal model

“…The muscle and skin were closed in separate layers [13]. This method is similar to the method described by Krahenbuhl et al [12]; however, they did not use a polypectomy wire.…”

Laparoscopic Liver Surgery

“…Rodents have been used extensively in both open and laparoscopic training models as they are well suited for laboratory based research activities, are expensive to buy, breed and house in a laboratory. Krahenbuhl et al 95 have reported a safe technique of LLR in rats for liver physiology research. Canine models have also been advocated but their major drawback are anatomical constraints having multiple liver lobes but also stringent laws in the United Kingdom which prevent their routine use in the laboratory for training 96 97 .…”