Hyperbaric oxygen prevents bacterial translocation in rats with obstructive jaundice

This study was designed to demonstrate bacterial translocation following bi le duct ligation and investigate preventive effects of hyperbaric oxygen on obstructive jaundice-related bacterial translocation in an animal model. H yperbaric oxygen treatment significantly reduced the endogenous colony coun ts in distal ileum of normal rats both in the short (two days) and long (se ven days) term. Endogenous bacteria in distal ileum significantly increased in bile duct ligated rats in the short and long term, and presence of bact erial translocation was proven by bacterial growth in mesenteric lymph node s, liver, spleen, and blood. Short- and long-term hyperbaric oxygen treatme nts significantly reduced the intestinal colony counts and prevented the ba cterial translocation almost completely in rats with bile duct ligation. It is concluded that obstructive jaundice causes bacterial overgrowth and tra nslocation, and hyperbaric oxygen treatment can prevent both bacterial over growth and translocation effectively.