Rodent models of partial hepatectomies*

Small rodents are the most used experimental models in liver surgical research. Hepatic resections in rodents are commonly performed to study liver regeneration, acute liver failure, hepatic metastasis, hepatic function, 'small-for-size' transplantation and metabolic response to injury. Most resections require only basic skills, are fast, reliable and highly reproducible. The partial hepatectomy technique in rodents can be improved by microsurgical techniques, which permit individualized dissection and ligature of the vascular and biliary branches with minimal operative morbidity and mortality. This is particularly relevant for murine models of liver resection. However, it requires advanced microsurgical skills. Here, we review the models, surgical techniques, results and limitations of partial liver resections in rodent models. We also reported for the first time segmentectomies of the median lobe in rodent models.