Effects of massive intestinal resection and splenectomy on portal pressure and thoracic duct lymph. An experimental...

The effect of massive intestinal resection (MIR) alone and when combined with splenectomy, on portal pressure and thoracic duct lymph (TDL) flow, and protein content, was experimentally studied in a series of 12 dogs with created presinusoidal portal obstruction. MIR was associated with a significant drop in the portal pressure and TDL flow, and significant increase in TDL protein content. When splenectomy was added, more reduction of the portal pressure and TDL flow was obtained. The significance of these findings is discussed in relation to the hemo- and lymphodynamic changes in presinusoidal portal obstruction.