Serum polyamine and octopamine changes following partial hepatectomy and portacaval shunt.

Factors influencing hepatic regeneration following major hepatic resection are poorly understood and often may be modified by associated surgical procedures. Experimental and clinical evidence would suggest that hepatic regeneration may be impaired following hepatectomy performed in conjunction with portacaval shunting. A patient is described who offered a clinical situation in which it was possible to evaluate the effects of complete portal-venous diversion on hepatic regeneration following massive hepatic resection. The usefulness of biogenic amines as a monitor of the course of hepatic regeneration is demonstrated. The potential development of hepatic encephalopathy was evaluated by serial determinations of serum ammonia and the biogenic amine, octopamine, which correlated well with the patient's clinical state.