Continuous positive-pressure ventilation and choledochoduodenal flow resistance.

Resistance to flow through the choledochoduodenal junction was measured during constant perfusion (0.8 ml saline/min). In eight dogs, intermittent positive-pressure ventilation (IPPV) and continuous positive-pressure ventilation (CPPV) were compared. Pressure in the common bile duct was always higher during JPPV than IPPV. With the first application of CPPV the rate of intravenous fluid was adjusted to maintain constant Hct. Mean hepatic venous pressure (Phv) increased from 6.6 to 11.5 cmH2O (P less than 0.001). Mean pressure in the common bile duct increased (P less than 0.001) from 11.6 to 14.1 cmH2O. The average increase in resistance was 21%. Changes reversed with return to IPPV. During the second application of CPPV, intravenous fluid was increased to maintain constant arterial pressure. Phv increased to 12.8 cmH2O and pressure in the common bile duct increased to 15.0 cmH2O (30% increase). In four additional dogs, choledochoduodenal resistance during continuous CPPV was reduced by intravenous vasopressin, intravenous norepinephrine and intraducta phenylephrine. CPPV increases resistance to flow through the choledochoduodenal junction, probably by vascular engorgement.