A novel scoring system to predict ascites development post hepatectomy for BCLC stage B hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Background: To develop a novel scoring system to predict the development of post-operative ascites by analyzing clinicopathological characteristics and risk factors of BCLC stage B hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: Prospective analysis was performed on consecutive patients with BCLC stage B hepatocellular carcinoma, who underwent hepatectomy from January 2005 to December 2014. Results: A total of 181 patients were enrolled, of whom 34.3% (62/181) developed post-operative ascites. Comparing with patients without ascites, patients who developed ascites had longer drain placement, more incidence of pleural effusion, more incidence of intra-abdominal infection and longer inpatient stay. All differences were statistically significant (P Conclusions: The development of post-operative ascites was associated with various clinicopathological factors. The scoring system, which incorporates these factors, provided a valuable means for predicting the development of post-operative ascites. Early identification of these at-risk patients might help to improve their perioperative outcome.