Objective To study the setting up a model of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in pigs. Methods In pigs, OLT were performed based on the porcine anatomical and physiological features, and the extracorporeal veno venous bypass was established during the anhepatice stage. Results Fourteen pigs(87.5%) of 16 OLT survived after the operation, and the haemodynamics?serum biochemical parameters and core temperature were maintained in the normal value during OLT. Conclusions Extracorporeal venovenous bypass and perfect surgical techniques based on the anatomical and physiological features are the key to successful OLT in pigs.