OBJECTIVE: In major liver resection, bacterial translocation appears to be an important mechanism in the pathogenesis of spontaneous infection. This study was designed to investigate the effects of splenic artery ligation on bacterial translocation after major liver resection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were divided into three groups: the sham operation group (SO group), the two-thirds partial hepatectomy group (PHx group) and the two-thirds partial hepatectomy plus splenic artery ligation group (PHx+Sp group). Bacterial translocation, endotoxemia, d-lactic acid and intestinal histology were analyzed among three groups. RESULTS: The rate of bacterial translocation was higher in the PHx rats than in the SO rats (65.0% vs. 6.67%; P=0.001), so that in the PHx+Sp rats (25.0%; P=0.011). Endotoxemia was not evident in the SO rats (0pg/ml) and blood endotoxin levels decreased in the PHx+Sp rats (1.47pg/ml) compared with the PHx rats (4.05pg/ml, P<0.001). d-lactic acid was also higher in both the PHx and PHx+Sp rats compared with the SO rats (39.09mg/ml, 23.36mg/ml, and 1.68mg/ml; P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Splenic artery ligation enhanced intestinal barrier function and diminished blood endotoxin levels and bacterial translocation in rats with major liver resection.