Experimental Study on the Eifect of an Artificial Arterio-portal Shunt for the Dearterialized Liver after a Major Hepatic Resection

The effect of an artificial arterio-portal shunt (A-P shunt) for the dearterialized liver after a major hepatic resection was studied. Mongrel dogs were divided into 2 groups. The hepatic artery and collaterals to the liver were dissected after 40% hepatectomy in the control group. In the A-P shunt group the hepatic artery and collaterals to the liver were dissected and A-P shunt was made between the common hepatic artery and the gastroduodenal vein after 40% hepatectomy. Blood flow to the liver, pressure of the portal vein, 0₂ partial pressure of liver tissue and hepatic enzymes were measured, and a hepaplastin test was carried out. Survival rates were also determined. The 0₂ partial pressure of liver tissue and pressure of the portal vein were significantly elevated in A-P shunt group, and the group had better liver function and a better suvival rate. A-P shunt is a possible procedure for dearterialized liver after major hepatic resections.