Experimental model of extended repeated partial hepatectomy in the dog.

The model of extended repeated partial hepatectomy without vascular shunt in dogs is presented. It consisted of 65% initial hepatectomy and after liver regeneration (6-10 weeks) repeated hepatectomy. Finally, only the papillary process of the caudate lobe (PPC), which constitutes 5% of the initial hepatic mass, was left intact. The most important finding was an ability of PPC to reconstitute the liver mass which enabled survival without the vascular shunt. After repeated hepatectomy the need for artificial hepatic assistance (parenteral nutritional support with frozen plasma) was imperative to offset the effects of acute hepatic failure and to support PPC regeneration.