The effects of bile duct obstruction on liver volume: an experimental study

Abstract

Objectives. This study is aimed at investigating alterations in liver volume during obstructive jaundice in rat liver. Materials and Methods. Thirty-six rats were divided into four groups. Abdominal tomography was performed for baseline volumetric analyses. The main bile ducts were ligated (BDL). Volumetric analyses were repeated 3 days after BDL in group 1, 7 days after BDL in group 2, 15 days after BDL in group 3, and 25 days after BDL in group 4, and total hepatectomy was performed in all animals. Control group (n = 4) was created with the rats that died before bile duct ligation. Results. There was no difference found in liver volume in group 1 compared to control animals. The liver volume was increased 7 days after BDL (P = 0.01). It was increased up to 60% of baseline values 25 days after BDL (P = 0.002). Wet liver weights of animals were also increased compared to control group. Liver weights were increased up to 40% percent of baseline values in group 4 (P = 0.002). Conclusions. Liver volume and weight were increased after BDL. Liver surgery in patients with huge liver mass is generally associated with significant difficulty. The surgeon should be aware of the time-dependent alteration in liver volume after obstructive jaundice.

Figure 1

Photos of volumetric analysis performed by CT scan according to experimental groups. Most demonstrative samples were selected from each group. (a) Volumetric analysis of liver before BDL (7.45 cm³, 2nd animal in group 1). (a′) Volumetric analysis of liver 3 days after BDL (7.97 cm³, 2nd animal in group 1). (b) Volumetric analysis of liver before BDL (4.14 cm³, 4th animal in group 2). (b′) Volumetric analysis of liver 7 days after BDL (5.77 cm³, 4th animal in group 2). (c) Volumetric analysis of liver before BDL (5.06 cm³, 8th animal in group 3). (c′) Volumetric analysis of liver 15 days after BDL (7.56 cm³, 8th animal in group 3). (d) Volumetric analysis of liver before BDL (5.50 cm³, 6th animal in group 4). (d′) Volumetric analysis of liver 25 days after BDL (12.16 cm³, 6th animal in group 4).

Figure 2

Time dependent alteration of liver volumes and weights after BDL.

Figure 3

Examination under light microscopy with hematoxylin-eosin dye was demonstrated bile duct proliferation after BDL. (a) Preservation of lobular regularity was observed in control group (×200 HPF). (b) Prominent proliferation of bile ducts was observed in portal areas 25 days after BDL (×200 HPF).

Figure 4

Examination under light microscopy with Masson's trichrome was demonstrated fibrotic alterations after BDL. (a) There was no fibrotic alteration observed in control group (×100 HPF). (b) Bridging fibrosis in the portal areas was observed 25 days after BDL (×200 HPF).