Objective To analysis the common reasons for failure in orthotopic liver transplantation during preliminary experiment and propose the preventive. Methods One hundred and twenty cases in preliminary experiment using modified Kamada “two-cuff” method of orthotopic liver transplantation were retrospectively analyzed. Results The causes of failure included： lengthening of anhepatic phase (66 cases)， failed anastomosis of suprahepatic inferior vena cava (61 cases)， failed anastomosis of infrahepatic inferior vena cava (17 cases), failed anastomosis of portal vein (12 cases), unsatisfied anesthesia (8 cases). Succeed in 21 cases (17.50%, 21/120). Conclusion Improve the microsurgical operation techniques, particularly the anastomosis of suprahepatic inferior vena cava, can increase the success rate in orthotopic liver transplantation.