PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of portocaval shunt on liver biochemical and morphological aspects in dogs. METHODS: Twenty animals were divided into 2 groups: Group I was submitted to 28.7% partial hepatectomy and Group II underwent partial hepatectomy associated with portocaval shunt. The data analyzed were: body weight, serum cholesterol and triglyceride, hepatic lipids and glycogen and liver regeneration index. All these data were measured preoperatively and 30 days after surgery. RESULTS: In Group I, only hepatic lipids levels were statistically increased post-operatively. In Group II, serum cholesterol and hepatic glycogen values were reduced while hepatic lipids levels were increased 30 days after surgery. When both groups were compared to each other, serum cholesterol, hepatic glycogen and liver regeneration index showed statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION: Portocaval shunt causes morphological and biochemical impairment of the liver as well as reduction of body weight.
Portocaval shunt; Partial hepatectomy; Biochemistry; Morphology
