BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the hemodynamic changes in 2 different cannulations in portal system (portal venous catheterization and splenic venous catheterization) during venovenous bypass (VVB) of swine orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT)

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty pairs (a total of 60) of healthy Duroc pigs were selected for OLT. According to the difference of cannulation in portal venous system during VVB, these pigs were divided into 2 groups: the PVC group (pigs with portal venous catheterization, n=15) and the SVC group (pigs with splenic venous catheterization, n=15). Intraoperative hemodynamic parameters were monitored continuously.

RESULTS: Two recipients in the PVC group died: 1 died of unsmooth bypass during the operation and 1 died of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). There was only 1 death in the SVC group, due to hemorrhagic shock. The duration of anhepatic phase (AP) in the SVC group was significantly shorter than in the PVC group (P<0.05). Moreover, hemodynamic parameters in phase III (5 min after start of portal vein suturing) and phase IV (5 min after graft reperfusion) were remarkably different between the SVC group and the PVC group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that VVB via splenic venous catheterization in swine OLT: 1) shortens the AP time; 2) keeps the hemodynamics stable; and 3) reduces the occurrence of postoperative complications. Thus, SVC appears to be superior to PVC.

Keywords: Hemodynamics, Liver Transplantation, Swine