Comparison of two different laparotomy methods for modeling rabbit VX2 hepatocarcinoma

AIM:To compare two different laparotomy methods for modeling rabbit VX2 hepatocarcinoma.METHODS:Thirty New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into two groups:A and B.Group A was assigned a traditional laparotomy method(embedding tumor fragments directly into the liver with tweezers).Group B was subjected to an improved laparotomy method(injection of tumor fragments into the liver through a 15 G syringe needle).The operation time, incision length, incision infection rate, and mortality rate were compared between the two groups after laparotomy.Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) was performed to evaluate tumor formation rates and the characteristics of the tumors 2 wk after laparotomy.RESULTS:The mean operation times for the two groups(Group A vs Group B) were 23.2 ± 3.4 min vs 17.5 ± 2.9 min(P < 0.05); the incision length was 3.3 ± 0.5 cm vs 2.4 ± 0.6 cm(P < 0.05); and the mortality rate after 2 wk was 26.7% vs 0%(P < 0.05); all of these outcomes were significantly different between the two groups.The incision infection rates in the two groups were 6.7% vs 0%(P > 0.05), whichwere not significantly different.MRI performed after 2weeks showed that the tumor formation rates in the two groups were 90.9%vs 93.3%(P>0.05).These rates were not significantly different between the two groups.The celiac implantation rate and abdominal wall metastasis rate in the two groups were 36.4%vs 13.3%(P<0.05)and 27.2%vs 6.7%(P<0.05),respectively,which were significantly different between the two groups.CONCLUSION:The tumor formation rates were not significantly different between the two methods for modeling rabbit VX2 hepatocarcinoma.However,the improved method is recommended because it has certain advantages.