The Influence of Experimental Retroperitoneal Fluid Collection on Pancreatic Perfusion.

The purpose of this experimental study is to investigate whether acute fluid accumulation within the peripancreatic space would increase retro-peritoneal pressure, affecting thus pancreatic perfusion. Six adult male swine ventilated through tracheostomy and having catheters inserted into the right carotid and femoral arteries were used. After baseline systemic hemodynamics and intraabdominal and retroperitoneal pressures assessment, a suspension of color-labeled microspheres was injected into the left cardiac ventricle for pancreatic blood flow evaluation. It is concluded that retroperitoneal fluid collection increases retroperitoneal compartment pressure, leading to pancreatic tissue hypoperfusion.