Objective：To investigate an improved technique of orthotopic liver transplantation with the “twocuff method” in rats, and to observe allograft rejection after transplantation. Methods：30 Wistar rats were grafted with livers of SD rats and 30 SD rats were grafted with livers of SD rats by using a modified “twocuff technique” and examined for postoperative rejection. Results：The anhepatic period was about 15 minutes. The 24hour survival rate was 100%. The Wistar rats grafted with SD livers died 8 to 15 days after liver transplantation, and the histopathologic examination showed various degrees of allograft rejection. The SD rats grafted with livers of SD rats had a survival rate of 97% at 3 weeks postoperatively. Conclusions：The modified “twocuff technique” can effectively reduce operative time, decrease postoperative complications and increase the survival rate of othortopic liver transplantation in rats. The transplantation model of Wistar rats grafted with livers of SD rats can be used to study allograft rejection.