Changes in Liver Glycogen and Glycolytic Intermediates during Abdominal Surgery in Man

1. Changes in liver glycogen and glycolytic intermediates were determined in ten patients undergoing abdominal surgery for carcinoma of the colon.

2. One hour of surgery resulted in a 19% decrease in liver glycogen, together with an increase in hepatic glucose 6-phosphate and glucose concentrations.

3. Blood glucose increased from 5.01 to 6.67 mmol/l during the hour between liver biopsies.

4. We conclude that the hyperglycaemia of surgery is associated with stimulation of hepatic glycogenolysis.