Effects of Sevoflurane and Halothane Anesthesia on Liver Circulation and Oxygen Metabolism in the Dog During Hepatolobectomy

Purpose: Effects of sevoflurane and halothane anesthesia on liver circulation and oxygen metabolism during hepatolobectomy were investigated in the dog, with the aim of choosing a better anesthetic for hepatic resection.

Methods: Sixteen mongrel dogs were randomly divided into two groups with eight in each. Electromagnetic flowmeters were used to measure hepatic arterial and portal venous blood flows (1) before the inhalation of each anesthetic (base line); (2) 1 h after the start of inhalation of 1.5 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) anesthetic; (3) 1 h after hepatolobectomy with the same MAC of anesthesia; and (4) 2 h after the discontinuation of anesthesia. Measurements of systemic hemodynamics, blood gas tensions, plasma enzyme leaks and arterial ketone body ratio were made at the same time.

Results: Sevoflurane maintained hepatic arterial blood flow better than halothane anesthesia, both before and after hepatolobectomy. Hepatic arterial vascular resistance increased in the halothane group but did not change in the sevoflurane group after hepatolobectomy. No significant difference was found in oxygen metabolism and arterial ketone body ratio between two groups. Serum enzyme leakage was less in the sevoflurane group.

Conclusion: Sevoflurane has less adverse effects on liver circulation, especially hepatic arterial blood flow, and hepatic function than halothane in the case of hepatolobectomy.