AbstractsMedical & Health Science

The purpose of the experiment was to study the effect of thoracic duct to azygos vein shunt on the relief of ascites and on the urinary excretion of sodium. Experimental ascites was produced by partial constriction of supradiaphragmatic inferior vena cava. Thoracic duct to azygos vein shunt using an invagination anastomosis was performed on these ascitic animals. Ascitic animals showed a scanty excretion of urinary sodium and a poor response to acute salt loading. Establishing a patent thoracic duct to azygos vein shunt was associated with relief of ascites, increased urinary sodium excretion and a good natriuretic response to acute saline loading. Internal drainage of thoracic duct by decompressing the lymphatic system and lowering the interstitial hepatic pressure, relieves ascites and at the same time affects a possible hepatic mechanism responsible for salt regulation.