Cellular changes in hepatocytes and intestinal endothelium after hepatoduodenal ligament occlusion and protective effects of caspase inhibition.

Introduction: Hepatic vascular control is used by many surgeons to prevent massive hemorrhage during hepatectomy. However, this may carry a risk of ischemic damage to the hepatocytes. Another major drawback of intraoperative occlusion of the hepatoduodenal ligament is portal stasis with resultant intestinal congestion which may cause adverse effects on the intestinal functions.