Establishing a Porcine Model of Small for Size Syndrome following Liver Resection

Abstract EN

Background.

Small for size syndrome (SFSS) is responsible for a high proportion of mortalities and morbidities following extended liver resection.

Aim.

The aim of this study was to establish a porcine model of SFSS.

Methods.

Twenty-four Landrace pigs underwent liver resection with a remnant liver volume of 50% (group A, n=8), 25% (group B, n=8), and 15% (group C, n=8).

After resection, the animals were followed up for 8 days and clinical, laboratory, and histopathological outcomes were evaluated.

Results.

The survival rate was significantly lower in group C compared with the other groups (p<0.001).

The international normalized ratio, bilirubin, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase levels increased shortly after surgery in groups B and C, but no change was observed in group A (p<0.05 for all analyses).

The histopathological findings in group A were mainly mild mitoses, in group B severe mitoses and hepatocyte ballooning, moderate congestion, and hemorrhage, along with mild necrosis, and in group C extended tissue damage with severe necrosis, hemorrhage, and congestion.

Conclusions.

Combination of clinical, laboratory, and histopathological evaluations is needed to confirm the diagnosis of SFSS.

75% liver resection in porcine model results in SFSS.

85% liver resection causes irreversible liver failure.