Objective To study the method of preparation of donor liver in liver transplantation. Methods The methods and skills of donor liver preparation and the anomaly artery reconstruction of graft in 64 cases of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) were retrospectively analyzed. Results All allografts had preparation and were suitable for clinical transplantation. Thirteen cases with hepatic artery anatomy variation were found. Among the 13 cases, 5 cases were reconstructed. Splenic artery (3/5) and gastro-duodenal artery (2/5) were typically used for anastomosis of the variant hepatic arteries. No complications resulted from donor liver preparation. Conclusions Correct preparation of the donor hepatic artery and biliary tracts, can decrease the incidence of hepatic artery and biliary tract complications after liver transplantation, and is the key to ensure successful donor liver preparation.