Haemodynamics and oxygen consumption in the dog during high epidural block with special reference to the splanchnic region.

High epidural block (Th I-IV) with bupivacaine was carried out in 16 dogs. Mean arterial blood pressure decreased to 52% of control value owing to nearly equal decreases in systemic vascular resistance and cardiac output. Portal venous blood flow decreased from 25.8 +/- 8.6 to 16.7 +/- 7.2 ml/kg b.w. X min-1 following epidural block, while hepatic arterial blood flow remained unchanged at 9.1 +/- 3.1 ml/kg b.w. X min-1 owing to a reduction in hepatic arterial resistance of 51%. Hepatic oxygen uptake was maintained during the epidural block through increased oxygen extraction. However, total oxygen uptake decreased by 18% and, in spite of this, arteriovenous oxygen content difference increased by 25%, indicating circulatory depression.