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

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.