Simultaneous extensive resection of the liver and the pancreas in dogs

Mortality, morbidity, liver function and regeneration were evaluated in dogs that had undergone simultaneous major resection of the liver and the pancreas. The 10-week survival rate was only 25% in the dogs that underwent 70% hepatectomy with more than 92% pancreatectomy, and many of them died of liver failure. Long-term survival was observed in more than 60% of the dogs after 70% hepatectomy with less than 92% pancreatectomy or after 40% hepatectomy with more than 92% pancreatectomy. The liver regeneration rate was reduced with the extent of the pancreatectomy, and the reduction was remarkable especially when more than 92% of the pancreas was resected. The frequency of diabetes was reduced when the pancreatectomy was combined with hepatectomy. Hyperlipemia and fatty liver were noted in all the dogs of the group that underwent more than 92% pancreatectomy alone. They were observed also in the postoperative diabetic groups but not in non-diabetic groups. The postoperative recovery of hepatic function and liver regeneration were delayed after simultaneous hepatectomy-pancreatectomy. Also, postoperative carbohydrate and lipid metabolism was better maintained in the hepatectomy-pancreatectomy groups than in the pancreatectomy-alone groups.