Abstract

Per Skoog, Tal M. Horer, Goran Agren, Kjell Jansson, Lars Norgren

Objective: To study the splanchnic metabolism and intestinal circulation in a porcine model with increased abdominal pressure. Methods: In an experimental porcine study, performed under intravenous anaesthesia, five animals were subjected to gradually increasing intra-abdominal pressure (15 mmHg, 25 mmHg, and 35 mmHg) with pneumoperitoneum. Microdialysis and laser Doppler were the main outcome methods for monitoring the metabolic and circulatory changes. Results: During stable anaesthesia and gradually increasing intra-abdominal pressure obtained by CO2-pneumoperitoneum, blood flow (microcirculation) was deprived and moderate signs of impaired splanchnic metabolism were recorded. Conclusions: The model appears usable for studies of splanchnic metabolic consequences of intraabdominal hypertension.