Background: Intravital microscopy allows direct visualization of the hepatic microvasculature. We report on a novel application of this technique using a chamber model that simulates the conditions of pneumoperitoneum.
Methods: For this purpose, we designed a peritoneal cavity chamber for rats. In the present study, we evaluated the technical procedure without any induction of increased intraabdominal pressure to assess undisturbed hepatic microcirculation. Intravital microscopy of the liver was performed in 12 rats. Animals that underwent the same operative procedure without the chamber served as controls (n = 12).
Results: Hepatic sinusoidal perfusion rate, leukocyte-endothelial cell interaction, and bile flow showed no significant differences between the groups. Operating time was longer in the chamber group.
Conclusion: The peritoneal cavity chamber is an attractive approach for the study of hepatic microvascular, cellular, and molecular mechanisms that are important to our understanding of the potential harmful effects of laparoscopy on hepatic circulation and liver function.