An optimized procedure for stained bloodless anatomic hepatectomy in canines.

BACKGROUND

Poloxamer 407 (P407) is a thermosensitive polymer that can gelatinize at body temperature and dissolve below critical temperature. The aim of this study was to evaluate an optimized procedure for hepatectomy, in which the target liver section was stained with methylene blue, and the blood inflow was occluded with P407.

METHODS

Twelve dogs were randomized into two equal groups. The conventional group (CG) underwent unstained liver resection with the hemi-Pringle maneuver for blood control. After angiography, the optimized group (OG) was cannulated to the target lobar hepatic artery via the femoral artery and to the target segmental portal vein via a branch of the splenic vein. The artery was then occluded with P407, whereas the vein was administered methylene blue and P407 sequentially before excision along the stained border. Blood specimens and necropsy were acquired periodically.

RESULTS

The stained resection margins were clearly visualized and were accompanied by negligible blood loss. The occlusion duration was significantly reduced from 24.5 ± 2.3 min in the conventional group to 18.5 ± 4.9 min in the OG (P < 0.05). The aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels were less elevated in the OG postoperatively. No significant evidence of pathology was detected in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

This optimized procedure represents an easy, time-saving and effective approach for stained anatomic hepatectomy with temporary intravascular blood occlusion.