[Changes in thoracic duct lymph in allotransplantation of the liver in dogs]

In 8 dogs simultaneous orthotopic liver allotransplantation and external drainage were performed. During and after surgery lymph and blood plasma were examined. The lymph flow increased considerably, due to blood stasis in the gut. Concentrations of total protein and potassium decreased in blood and in lymph. Levels of glucose and lactate in lymph were significantly elevated, compared with plasma levels. Examination of thoracic duct lymph improves the possibilities to assess the blood stasis in the splanchnic system and the corresponding metabolic cell alterations. It is presumed that external drainage of thoracic duct might improve the course immediately after liver transplantation.