van Limmen J, Wyffels P, Berrevoet F, et al. - In view of the essentiality of maintaining adequate perioperative hepatic blood flow (HBF) supply for preservation of postoperative normal liver function and the reported effect of propofol and sevoflurane on arterial and portal HBF, researchers sought to compare the effect of propofol (group P) and sevoflurane (group S) on arterial, portal and total HBF and on the caval and portal vein pressure during major abdominal surgery. As relative to hepatic surgical procedures, pancreaticoduodenectomy is a standardized surgical procedure without potential anticipated severe hemodynamic disturbances, and enables direct access to the hepatic blood vessels, 18 patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy were included in this study. According to the type of anesthetic drug used, patients were randomized. Findings suggest that a propofol-based and a sevoflurane-based anesthetic regimen were similar regarding hepatic blood flow. Related to the application of goal-directed hemodynamic therapy, both groups maintained preset hemodynamic goals, but sevoflurane-anaesthetized patients had a significantly greater need for vasopressor support.