EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF THORACIC DUCT DRAINAGE

ESPECIALLY FOR RENAL INSUFFICIENCY

Abstract

Thoracic duct drainage was applied for experimentally produced uremic dogs. Nineteen dogs were nephrectomized bilaterally and 24 hours later prepared for the following experiments: Group I. Those without thoracic duct drainage (TDD); group II. Those with TDD; and group III. Those with TDD and intravenous infusion of 10% glucose solution.
Thoracic duct lymph flow (TDLF) was measured, and urea nitrogen, potassium, inorganic phosphorus and total protein levels in serum and thoracic duct lymph (TDL) were determined in each group.
1. Both serum and TDL showed almost equal levels of urea nitrogen, potassium and inorganic phosphorus, respectively. Total protein level of TDL was 60% of that of serum on average.
2. Proportional changes of each substance were observed between TDL and serum.
3. The amount of TDLF was maximum in the initial period of the drainage, and was decreased gradually afterwards.
4. The intravenous infusion of 10% glucose solution induced significant increase of TDLF. This also resulted in the increased removal of urea nitrogen, potassium, inorganic phosphorus and total protein through the drainage.
5. Both group I and II showed similar increase of serum levels of urea nitrogen, potassium and inorganic phosphorus, which was not experienced in group III. Total serum protein level was unchanged in the group I and II, though there was a slight decrease in group III.
The above data are indicative of clinically beneficial TDD effect for the elimination of water, urea nitrogen and electrolyte in uremic condition.