LAPAROSCOPIC PARTIAL-HEPATECTOMY IN THE RAT - A NEW RESECTIONAL TECHNIQUE

Background: Rats are widely used For basic research in laparoscopic su rgery. We have developed a new technique of laparoscopic partial hepat ectomy in the rat. Methods: 40 American Cancer Institute rats were ran domized into 3 groups. Group A (n = 14) underwent laparoscopic liver r esection using a CO2 pneumoperitoneum. Group B (n = 14) was operated o n with a gasless laparoscopic technique using a lifting device. A cont rol group C (n = 12) underwent conventional open liver resection. In e ach group half of the animals underwent single lobectomy and the other half bilobectomy. Results: The liver resection was performed successf ully in all 40 rats. No conversion to open surgery was necessary. No m ortality or morbidity was observed. Conclusions: This new technique of laparoscopic partial hepatectomy proved to be feasible and safe. It i s the first description of a laparoscopic hepatic resection in the rat that could prove valuable in further investigations of liver physiolo gy and pathology.