Liver Regeneration in Surgical Animal Models – A Historical Perspective and Clinical Implications

<i>Methods/Aims:</i> Despite improved preoperative evaluation, surgical techniques and perioperative intensive care, some patients still experience postoperative liver failure in part due to insufficient regeneration. The aim of this review is to give the reader a historical synopsis of the major trends in animal research on liver regeneration from the early experiments in 1877 up to modern investigation. A major focus is placed on the translational value of experimental surgery. <i>Methods:</i> A systematic review of the English literature published in Medline was undertaken with the search words ‘pig, porcine, dog, canine, liver regeneration, experimental’. <i>Results:</i> The evolution of the various models tentatively explaining the process of liver regeneration is described. <i>Conclusions:</i> We conclude by emphasizing the importance of large-animal surgical research on liver regeneration as it offers a more integrated, systemic biological understanding of this complex process. Furthermore, in our opinion, a closer collaboration between the hepatologist, liver surgeon/transplant surgeon and the laboratory scientist may advance clinically relevant research in liver regeneration.