Studies on adequate components and amounts of transfusion solution after hepatectomy from the viewpoint of the development of lung edema

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mechanism of development of lung edema and to determine adequate components and amounts of transfusion solution after major hepatic resection in normal and Dimethylnitrosamine (DMNA)-induced cirrhotic dogs. The dogs were administered maintenance dose (1-2 ml/kg/h) or large volumes (10-20 ml/kg/h) of lactated Ringer's solution (RL), 10% Dextrose or Dextran 40 (D40) after surgery. 1) In the groups transfused with maintenance dose or large volumes of RL, or large volumes of D40 after 80% and 70% hepatectomy in normal dogs and 40% hepatectomy in DMNA-induced cirrhotic dogs, the extravascular lung water (EVLW) increased with a high incidence of the development of lung edema. On the other hand, in the groups transfused with maintenance dose or large volumes of 10% Dextrose, or maintenance dose of D40, EVLW did not increase, thus preventing the development of lung edema. 2) The lower the functional reserve of the remaining liver and reticuloendothelial function, the more the volume of EVLW increased. The increments in plasma endotoxin titers through the spill over phenomenon, due to the decline of reticuloendothelial function after hepatectomy, caused an increase in the permeability of lung capillaries. Moreover, the decrease of colloid hydrostatic pressure gradient (CHPG) also caused an increase in EVLW. It is clear that both the permeability of lung capillaries and CHPG contribute to the development of lung edema after hepatectomy.