Lobar liver atrophy following ligation of bile ducts.

Rous and Larimore 4 produced atrophy of segments of the liver in rabbits by ligation of the corresponding branch of the portal vein. The remaining liver segments developed compensatory hypertrophy, which could be prevented by ligation of the bile ducts. Atrophy of one or more segments of the liver was also produced by ligation of the corresponding bile duct, and compensatory hypertrophy was observed in the unaffected segments. 3,5 Recently, ligation of hepatic ducts has been tried as therapy in cirrhosis of the liver in human patients. 1,5 The present study was undertaken to confirm the experimental production of atrophy and hypertrophy by ligating of bile ducts with and without ligation of corresponding portal venous branches. Pertinent laboratory examinations and histological studies were carried out. Materials and Methods Seventeen dogs, weighing from 6 to 12 kg., were used. Each animal was anesthetized with an intravenous dose of 25 mg. of