The international surgical journal with global reach

This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS

Tumour growth following portal branch ligation in an experimental model of liver metastases. BJS 2010; 97: 917-926.

Published: 19th April 2010

Authors: O. Kollmar, M. Corsten, C. Scheuer, B. Vollmar, M. K. Schilling, M. D. Menger et al.

Background

Portal branch ligation (PBL) is being used increasingly before hepatectomy for colorectal metastases. This study evaluated the effect of PBL on angiogenesis, growth factor expression and tumour growth in a mouse model of hepatic colorectal metastases.

Method

CT26.WT cells were implanted into the left liver lobe of BALB/c mice. Animals underwent PBL of the left liver lobe or sham treatment. Angiogenesis, microcirculation, growth factor expression, cell proliferation and tumour growth were studied over 14 and 21 days by intravital multifluorescence microscopy, laser Doppler flowmetry, immunohistochemistry and western blotting.

Results

Left hilar blood flow and tumour microcirculation were significantly diminished during the first 7 days after PBL. This resulted in tumour volume being 20 per cent less than in sham controls by day 14. Subsequently, PBL‐treated animals demonstrated recovery of left hilar blood flow and increased expression of hepatocyte growth factor and transforming growth factor α, associated with increased cell proliferation and acceleration of growth by day 21.

Conclusion

PBL initially reduced vascular perfusion and tumour growth, but this was followed by increased growth factor expression and cell proliferation. This resulted in delayed acceleration of tumour growth, which might explain the stimulated tumour growth observed occasionally after PBL. Copyright © 2010 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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