Pathophysiological sequelae of hepatic artery ligation: an experimental study.

The effects of ligation of the proper hepatic artery were studied in 40 rats. The serum transaminase and bilirubin levels were elevated significantly at 24 h following surgery but had returned to normal by the 7th postoperative day. The serum albumin level was significantly reduced at 24 h and remained low for a further 2 weeks. There was no histological abnormality in the liver following hepatic artery ligation. It would appear that there is an early return to normal function following hepatic artery ligation.