OBJECTIVETo explore the effects of different hepatic inflow occlusion methods on liver regeneration in rats after partial hepatectomy (PH).

METHODSMale Wistar-Furth rats were randomly assigned to three groups: control group, underwent 68% hepatectomy alone; occlusion of portal triad (OPT) group, subjected to occlusion of portal triad under portal blood bypass; and occlusion of portal vein (OPV) group, subjected to occlusion of portal vein under portal blood bypass. Blood flow was occluded for 20, 30, and 40 minutes before 68% hepatectomy. According to the 7-day survival of each group, a same occlusion time T was set. Each group was divided into two subgroups (n = 8), in which animals were killed 3 and 7 days later. Liver regeneration was calculated as a percent of initial liver weight. Immunohistochemistry for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Ki-67 was performed to quantify proliferating cells. In addition, functional liver volume represented by 99Tc(m)-GSA radioactivity was assessed.

RESULTSThe safe tolerance limit time was 30 minutes for OPT group and 40 minutes for OPV group. At 3 days after PH, no significant difference was observed in the regeneration rate of each group (P > 0.05). However, liver radioactive activity, PCNA labeling index, and Ki-67 index of OPV group was significantly higher than those of OPT group (P < 0.05); the latter were similar to those of control group (P > 0.05). At 7 days after PH, no significant difference was observed in all indexes among three groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONCompared with Pringle maneuver, preserving the hepatic artery flow during portal triad blood inflow occlusion can promote remnant liver regeneration early after PH.