Hymodynamics study in rats with liver cirrhosis after portal vein arterialization associated with portocaval shunt

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effect of portal vein arterialization(PVA) associated with portacaval shunt on hepatic hemodynamics. Methods Twenty-five Sprague-Dawley rats with liver cirrhosis were divided into two groups randomly. Group A(PVA group): to establish the PVA model by the right renal artery after portacaval shunt. Group B(control group): right nephrectomy and temporary occlusion of portal vein for 10 minutes. The pressure, diameter and blood inflow of portal vein were investigated at the end of operation, 1 month and 3 month after operation, respectively. Results In group A, the pressure, diameter and blood inflow of portal vein increased significantly after surgery. The portal vein pressure fell slowly with the passage of time, but were still significantly higher than group B within 3 postoperative months. The diameter and hepatic blood inflow was risen significantly after surgery, and continued within 3 months. However, there was no significantly difference between the postoperative 1 month and 3 month of the diameter. At 3 postoperative month, the hepatic blood inflow was markedly higher than 1 postoperative month. The pressure of the caval inflow portal stem decreased obviously after surgery. Conclusions PVA associated with portocaval Shunt reduce the pressure of portal system collateral circulation effectively, minimize the risk of hemorrhage, furthermore the hepatic blood inflow was increased significantly, hence improve the blood and oxygen supply. The pressure and diameter of the portal vein achieve a new balance at a high level and become stable within 3 months after surgery. Key words: Portal Vein Arterialization; Liver cirrhosis; Portacaval shunt; Hemodynamics