Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Various factors contribute to the establishment of liver transplantation models in rhesus monkey, the rate of successful operation and long-term survival are very low.
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the cause of early death following liver transplantation in rhesus monkey.
METHODS: Liver transplantation models were fabricated with the classical and modified methods in rhesus monkeys. Operation of donor was performed quickly by a big crucial incision of abdomen. The improved double-cuff of the portal vein and inferior vena cava were finished, in addition to stay pipe of biliary tract in the process of repairing donor liver. Operation of the receptor was performed by classical orthotopic liver transplantation.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: A total of 25 pairs of rhesus monkeys were successfully for establishing liver transplantation models. Seven rhesus monkeys died within early stage of post-operation, including six out of nine monkeys died by using the classical approach and one out of sixteen monkeys died by using the improved approach. There were five of seven monkeys died of intra-abdominal hemorrhage, one died of primary graft nonfunction and one died of respiratory failure. Results indicated that, the major death cause after classical orthotopic liver transplantation in rhesus monkey is abdominal hemorrhage. The improved methods of liver transplantation apparently reduce the hemorrhage and raise early survival rate following liver transplantation.