Evaluation of liver regeneration after hemi-hepatectomy by combining computed tomography and post-operative liver function

Abstract

BackgroundAccurate evaluation of postoperative liver regeneration is essential to prevent postoperative liver failure. AimsTo analyze the predictors that affect liver regeneration after hemi-hepatectomy. MethodPatients who underwent hemi-hepatectomy in Hangzhou First People’s Hospital and Hangzhou Shulan Hospital from January 2016 to December 2021 were enrolled in this study. The regeneration index (RI) was calculated by the following equation: RI= [(postoperative total liver volume {TLVpost} - future liver remnant volume {FLRV} / FLRV] × 100%. Hepatic dysfunction was defined according to the “Bilpeak>7” standard, which was interpreted as (peak) TBil > 7.0 mg/dL. Good liver regeneration was defined solely when the RI surpassed the median with hepatic dysfunction. Logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate prognostic factors affecting liver regeneration. ResultA total of 153 patients were enrolled, with 33 in the benign group and 120 patients in the malignant group. In the entire study population, FLRV% [OR 4.087 (1.405-11.889), P=0.010], international normalized ratio (INR) [OR 2.763 (95%CI, 1.008-7.577), P=0.048] and total bilirubin (TBil) [OR 2.592 (95%CI, 1.177-5.710), P=0.018] were independent prognostic factors associated with liver regeneration. In the benign group, only the computed tomography (CT) parameter FLRV% [OR, 11.700 (95%CI, 1.265-108.200), P=0.030] predicted regeneration. In the malignant group, PHRR% [OR 0.141 (95%CI, 0.040-0.499), P=0.002] and TBil [OR 3.384 (95%CI, 1.377-8.319), P=0.008] were independent prognostic factors. ConclusionFLRV%, PHRR%, TBil and INR were predictive factors associated with liver regeneration.