Study of intrahepatic lymphatics in bilharzial hepatic fibrosis and their role in ascites formation

Hepatic lymphography and thoracic duct lymph flow and pressure study were done in 11 patients with pure bilharzial hepatic fibrosis and 5 cases of mixed cirrhosis. In mixed hepatic cirrhosis visualization of lymphatics of the liver and increased thoracic duct lymph flow and pressure can confirm that the liver shares in the formation of ascities. In pure bilharzial fibrosis hepatic lymphatics are not visualised because of the abscence of the outflow obstruction and in addition from the increased thoracic duct lymph flow and pressure, we can conclude that the liver is not responsible for excess lymph production in presinusoidal obstruction