Hemodynamic changes on animal models of portal hypertension after spleen and liver shunt

Objective To observe portal hemodynamic changes in miniature pigs with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension after distal splenic vein-hepatic artery shunt (spleen and liver shunt).Methods Fifteen pre-built miniature pigs with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension received spleen and liver shunt.The portal vein district outside the liver was divided into two separated and no-connect areas:stomach-spleen area and mesenteric up and down area postoperatively.After feeding for 30 days,pigs were subjected to re-open operation to get relevant data.Results (1) After the spleen and liver shunt,portal vein pressure was (23.49 ±1.10) cm H2O (1 cm H2O =0.098 kPa),and (21.53 ±1.26) cm H2O after 30 days (P ＞0.05) ; splenic vein pressure was (35.45 ±2.88) cm H2O,and (23.09 ± 1.36) cm H2O after 30 days (P ＜ 0.05) ; portal vein-splenic vein pressure difference was (17.90 ± 3.31) cm H2O,and (9.55 ± 1.32) cm H2O after 30 days (P ＜0.05) ; (2) Blood from stomach-spleen area flowed into the liver by the spleen and liver shunt,and the liver stained well after methylene blue was injected into the splenic vein.Conclusion Extrahepatic portal vein blood flow channel changed after the spleen and liver shunt,the overall portal hemodynamics was not affected,and a new balanced mechanism was established to maintain hemodynamic stability.The new balancing mechanism is maintained by the pressure difference as the driving force. Key words: Liver cirrhosis ;  Portal hypertension;  Model, animal;  Spleen and liver shunt; Portal hemodynamic