Laparoscopic liver surgery in the rat - Description of a new technique

Background: We devised a safe and simple method of liver resection with a w ire loop in a small animal model. Herein the method is evaluated and combin ed with a tumor model for further immunological, oncological, and laparosco pic research. Methods: With the aid of a wire loop and an adapted electric generator, a l iver lobe resection can be performed through three trocars (first trocar: c amera; second and third trocars: instruments). This operative procedure was evaluated in 10 rats (group 1). In a second group of ACI rats, a Morris he patoma (1 mm(3)) was induced. After 11 days, a liver lobe resection was per formed. One week after the resection an autopsy and a histological examinat ion were performed in all animals. Results: Ten ACI rats underwent laparoscopic liver resection to evaluate th e operative technique with the wire loop (group 1). All rats returned to no rmal feeding and activity on the Ist postoperative day. There were no death s. At autopsy, the resection area was inconspicuous, without any sign of he matoma or bilioma. In the second group, 10 days after tumor induction, the induced hepatoma was increased (1 cm(3)) and localized in the left liver lo be. In all rats, the liver lobe was resected without touching or laceration of the tumor. At autopsy, the resection area was inconspicuous. No tumors were found in the histological workup of liver and lungs. Conclusion: This model of laparoscopic liver resection in the rat allows a safe and simple liver lobectomy, including a total tumor resection. It shou ld also facilitate basic oncological, immunological, and laparoscopic resea rch.