Interruption of hepatic arterial supply in rats with liver tumors.

Liver tumors receive their main blood supply from the hepatic artery. Various types of interruption of arterial blood supply to the liver are considered to give a reduction in liver tumor growth. Inoculation of a tumor cell suspension of a transplanted benzpyrene-induced sarcoma was used to induce a tumor in the liver of Lister-hooded rats. The influence of hepatic artery ligation (HAL) and regular liver dearterialization, i.e. dividing of all structures to the liver except portal vein, common bile duct and hepatic veins, was tested against control and sham operation. Ligation of the hepatic artery gave a statistically significant temporary reduction of liver tumor growth. A continuous growth of the tumors was found after regular liver dearterialization, sham procedure and in the controls. Seven and 14 days after the procedures this difference between HAL and regular liver dearterialization was recognized statistically significant (p less than 0.001) in groups with only five animals.