Effects of prolonged surgical trauma on the extravascular lung water and central blood volume in the dog.

Extravascular lung water (EVLW) and central blood volume (CBV) were measured in 13 dogs with a double-indicator dilution technique (dye-cold), the indicators being detected intravascularly. Animals in a control group (n = 5) were mechanically ventilated for 8-15 h after baseline measurements. Another group of animals (n = 8) were subjected to extensive lymph duct cannulations, including a thoracoabdominal incision, and the dogs were followed for 8 to 18 h postoperatively. All dogs (n = 13) then received a dose of oleic acid intravenously in order to create lung damage. A positive fluid balance was maintained throughout the experiment. Basal EVLW was 8.8 ml/kg (n = 13) (similar in both groups), and did not change significantly in either group before oleic acid. Basal CBV was 18.5 ml/kg (n = 13); it increased (P less than 0.05) in the control group and decreased (P less than 0.05) in the surgery group during a 8-15-h period. EVLW was doubled (P less than 0.001) and CBV decreased slightly 2 h after oleic acid administration. The lung damage was similar in both groups, and was accompanied by increased pulmonary vascular pressures and marked reductions in arterial oxygen tension and thoracic compliance. The findings suggest that an earlier proposed dog model for the simultaneous measurement of EVLW and lymph flow can be used in long-term studies on lung fluid balance.