Hepatic blood flow after acute biliary obstruction and drainage in conscious dogs.

Background Aims : Obstructive jaundice is a factor which effects hepatic blood flow and the relative contribution of the hepatic arterial flow and portal venous flow. In this study, and were measured in conscious dogs and the influence of biliary obstruction and drainage was investigated. Material and Methods : Hepatic arterial flow (HAF) and portal venous flow (PVF) after biliary obstruction and subsequent drainage were continuously measured in conscious dogs using implantable transit time ultrasonic flow-meters. Results : After biliary obstruction hepatic arterial flow rapidly increased compared to the pre-obstructed values(p<0.01), while portal venous flow was significantly decreased (p<0.01). Total hepatic blood flow was initially increased (p<0.01) until 2 hours after obstruction. It then decreased gradually. After 2 weeks, it was less than the pre-obstructed values, but this was not significant. Biliary drainage was performed after 2 weeks. Hepatic arterial flow subsequently decreased (p<0.01) and portal venous flow increased (p<0.05). Blood flow did not change. Conclusion : Biliary obstruction resulted in significant changes in liver circulation. Biliary drainage facilitated recovery from these changes.