Efficacy of hypothermic perfusion using University of Wisconsin solution in extended hepatectomy with hepatic inflow occlusion in a canine model.

This study was designed to elucidate the efficacy of University of Wisconsin (UW) solution for preventing liver injury, when used as a hypothermic perfusate infused into the systemic circulation during extended hepatectomy with hepatic inflow occlusion. Adult mongrel dogs (9.5-17.5 kg, n = 14) were subjected to 75% hepatectomy under 60 min hepatic inflow occlusion. The animals were divided into two groups. The UW group (n = 7) underwent hypothermic perfusion using 4 degrees C UW solution (core temperature of the liver: 12.3 +/- 0.2 degrees C). The control group designated as the Ringer's lactate (LR) group (n = 7) underwent hypothermic perfusion using 4 degrees C LR solution. The perfusate was introduced into the systemic circulation via the hepatic vein. Blood from the hepatic vein was sampled, and alanine aminotransferase, purine nucleoside phosphorylase activities and the ammonia concentration were measured. The 7 day survival rate was higher in the UW group than in the LR group. The parameters of liver function were less significantly altered in the UW group than in the LR group. The plasma ammonia concentration was significantly (P < 0.05) lower 6 h after reperfusion in the UW group than in the LR group. A small volume of hypothermic perfusion of the liver using UW solution was safe if it returned to systemic circulation. Hypothermic perfusion of the liver using UW solution may be effective for preventing hepatic tissue injury during extended hepatectomy with hepatic vascular occlusion.