BACKGROUND: Changes in acid-base balance and serum electrolytes by infusion of lactated Ringer's solution in liver cirrhosis patienst during liver surgery are poorly characterized. In this study, we evaluated the effects of infusing large amount of lactated Ringer's solution on acid-base and serum electrolytes during liver surgery in cirrhosis patients.

METHODS: Thirty-two patients were divided into two groups. Group I (n = 21) was made up of patients who had received liver lobectomy without cirrhrosis. Group II (n = 11) was made up of patients who had received liver lobectomy with cirrhosis above a moderate level. Arterial blood gas and serum electrolyte levels were checked 4 times during the study in each patient: just after the operation start, after infusing 3,000 ml and 6,000 ml of lactated Ringer's solution during operation, and 30 minutes after arrival at the postanesthesia care unit.

RESULTS: pH and base excess decreased according to the amount of lactated Ringer's solution used in both groups and these results were significant. Serum electrolyte levels were not changed and only Ca2+ levels were significantly different in the two groups. The cause of changing of Ca2+ levels found out by intravenous infusion of Ca2+ solution.

CONCLUSIONS: In liver surgery patients with or without liver cirrhosis decreased pH and base excess in serum by increased amount of used lactated Ringers solution during liver surgery but in serum electrolytes and others acid-base parameters, CVP, changes on there were not any statistical significant. When a large amount of LR solution is used in liver surgery, we recommend regular arterial blood gas analyses for acid-base balance and an infusing speed of 20 ml/kg/h.