Abstract

Replacement of glucose and albumin in ten patients after hepatic lobectomy shows that hypoglycemia and hypoalbuminemia, the two most common consequences of lobectomy in animals, can be prevented in man. Biosynthesis of protein, cholesterol, and prothrombin are reduced temporarily. In patients having emergency lobectomy, the serum bilirubin and glutamic oxaloacetic transminase concentrations are statistically greater than in patients having elective lobectomy. Serum ammonia is not elevated and bromsulphalein excretion is normal after bilirubin returns to less than 1 mg/100 ml. Lactic dehydrogenase concentrations in serum are increased and fluctuate in the presence of sepsis or respiratory insufficiency: Mean creatine phosphokinase peaks at concentrations higher than those reported in acute myocardial infarction and returns to normal in three days. Compensatory hyperplasia of the residual lobe occurred in all patients.