Higher Comprehensive Complication Index Research Articles

Laparoscopic Distal Pancreatectomy Following Prior Upper Abdominal Surgery (Pancreatectomy and Prior Surgery)

Background and PurposePrevious abdominal surgery can be a risk factor for perioperative complications in patients undergoing laparoscopic procedures. Today, distal pancreatectomy is increasingly performed laparoscopically. This study investigates the consequences of prior upper abdominal surgery (PUAS) for laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP). MethodsPatients who had undergone LDP from April 1997 to January 2020 were included. Based on the history and type of PUAS, these were categorized into three groups: minimally invasive (I), open (II), and no PUAS (III). To reduce possible confounding factors, the groups were matched in 1:2:4 fashion based on age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and American Society of Anesthesiology grade. ResultsAfter matching, 30, 60, and 120 patients were included in the minimally invasive, open and no PUAS groups, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found in terms of intraoperative outcomes. Postoperative morbidity, mortality and length of hospital stay were similar. Open PUAS was associated with higher Comprehensive Complication Index (33.7 vs 20.9 vs 26.2, p = 0.03) and greater proportion of patients with ≥ 2 complications (16.7 vs 0 vs 6.7%, p = 0.02) compared with minimally invasive and no PUAS. Male sex, overweight (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m2), diagnosis of neuroendocrine neoplasia, and open PUAS were risk factors for severe morbidity in the univariable analysis. Only open PUAS was statistically significant in the multivariable model. ConclusionsPUAS does not impair the feasibility and safety of LDP as its perioperative outcomes are largely comparable to those in patients without PUAS. However, open PUAS increases the burden and severity of postoperative complications.

Magnetic Resonance Elastography Versus Transient Elastography in the Prediction of Complications After Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

To compare the performances of MRE and TE for predicting severe complications after HR in patients with HCC. LSM may have the potential to predict outcomes after HR in HCC patients. Consecutive patients who underwent HR for HCC between 2017 and 2019 were retrospectively enrolled. Before HR, LSM was performed in all patients using both MRE and TE. All postoperative complications were assessed using the comprehensive complication index (CCI). Severe postoperative complications were defined as a CCI ≥26.2. The performances of MRE and TE for predicting high CCI and diagnosing liver fibrosis were compared using the area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve (AUROC). Uni-/multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with high CCI. Among the 208 enrolled patients, 28 patients (13.5%) had high CCI. For detecting high CCI, MRE had an AUROC of 0.874 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.821-0.916], which was significantly higher than the AUROC of TE (0.756; 95% CI, 0.692-0.813) ( P = 0.020). MRE outperformed TE in detecting fibrosis of ≥F2 (AUROC: 0.935 vs 0.767; P = 0.008), ≥F3 (AUROC: 0.902 vs 0.774; P = 0.001) and F4 (AUROC: 0.916 vs 0.767; P < 0.001). LSM by MRE was independently associated with high CCI (odds ratio, 4.207 per kPa; 95% CI, 1.862-9.504; P < 0.001), whereas LSM by TE was not. MRE better predicted severe postoperative complications than TE in HCC patients who underwent HR. LSM by MRE was independently associated with high CCI after HR.

Mild Prognostic Impact of Postoperative Complications on Long-term Survival of Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma.

To evaluate the impact of complications on long-term survival in patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. Surgical resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma is vulnerable to postoperative complications. The prognostic impact of complications in patients with this disease is unknown. The medical records of patients who underwent curative-intent hepatectomy for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma between 2010 and 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. The comprehensive complication index (CCI) was calculated based on all postoperative complications, which were graded by the Clavien-Dindo classification (CDC). Patients were divided into high and low CCI groups by the median score, and survival was compared between the 2 groups. Excluding 8 patients who died in hospital, 369 patients were analyzed. The CDC grade was I in 20 (5.4%), II in 108 (29.3%), III in 224 (60.7%), and IV in 17 (4.6%) patients. The CCI increased with increasing CDC grade; the median was 42.9 (range, 15.0-98.9). Overall survival differed significantly between the high (n = 187) and low (n = 182) CCI groups (41.2% vs 47.9% at 5 years; P = 0.041). However, multivariable analyses demonstrated that traditional clinicopathological factors were independent predictors of survival and that the dichotomized CCI was not. In addition, the CCI score as a continuous variable was not an independent prognostic factor for overall survival in the multivariable analyses (hazard ratio per 1 CCI score: 1.00, 95% confidence interval: 0.99-1.01, P = 0.775). Cumulative postoperative complications after resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma only moderately deteriorate long-term survival, and should not be an argument to deny surgery in this high-risk population.

Predictors of 30- and 90-Day Readmissions After Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstruction With Biological Mesh: A Longitudinal Study of 232 Patients.

Hospital readmissions are recognized as indicators of poor healthcare services which further increase patient morbidity. The aim of this study is to analyze predicting factors for the 30-day and 90-day readmissions after a complex abdominal wall reconstruction (CAWR). A pooled analysis of the prospective study and retrospective database patients undergoing CAWR with acellular porcine dermis from 2012 to 2019 was carried out. Independent t test for continuous variables and Chi-square and Fischer's exact tests for categorical variables were used. A multivariable logistic regression model and linear regression analysis were used to analyze the independent predictors of 30-day and 90-day readmissions. A total of 232 patients underwent CAWR, and the readmission rate (RR) was 16.8% (n = 40). The 30-day and 90-day RR was 11.3% (n = 23) and 13.3% (n = 33), respectively. There were no statistical differences in age, frailty, and gender distribution between the two groups. There was no difference in ASA score, type of component separation, ventral hernia working group class, size of the biological mesh, placement of mesh, and intestinal resection rate. The Clavien-Dindo complications and mean comprehensive complication index (CCI) were higher in the readmission group as compared to no readmission group (p < 0.01). Readmitted patients had higher surgical site infections (p < 0.01) and wound necrosis (p = 0.01). Higher CCI, past or concomitant pelvic surgery, and the presence of enterocutaneous fistula were independent predictors of earlier days to readmission. Surgical site occurrences were associated with 30-day and 90-day readmissions after CAWR, while the presence of ascites and dialysis was associated with 90-day readmissions.

A nomogram based on liver stiffness predicts postoperative complications in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Liver stiffness measurement (LSM), assessed by transient elastography (Fibroscan), has been demonstrated to predict post-hepatectomy liver failure in patients who undergo hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, other complications are also likely to be related to the underlying grade of liver fibrosis. Herein, we aimed to identify predictors of postoperative complications and to build and develop a novel nomogram able to identify patients at risk of developing severe complications. Data from patients who underwent hepatectomy for HCC between 2006 and 2016 at 2 referral centres were retrospectively reviewed. All surgical complications were recorded and scored using the comprehensive complication index (CCI), ranging from 0 (uneventful course) to 100 (death). A CCI ≥26.2 was used as a threshold to define severe complications. During the study period, 471 patients underwent hepatic resection for HCC. Among them, 50 patients (10.6%) had a CCI ≥26.2. Age, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score and LSM values, together with serum albumin, were independent predictors of high CCI. The nomogram built on these variables was internally validated and showed good performance (optimism-corrected c-statistic= 0.751). A regression equation to predict the CCI was also established by multiple linear regression analysis: [LSM (kPa)× 0.254]+ [age (years)× 0.118]+ [MELD score (pt.)× 1.050]- [albumin (g/dl)× 2.395]- 3.639. A novel nomogram, combining LSM values, age and liver function tests provided an excellent preoperative prediction of high CCI in patients with resectable HCC. This predictive model could be used as a reference for clinicians and surgeons to help them in clinical decision-making. Liver stiffness measurement is increasingly being used to assess the degree of liver fibrosis in patients with cirrhosis and/or chronic hepatitis. Using Fibroscan, we developed a novel nomogram to predict severe complications following liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma, according to the new comprehensive complication index. This tool could be used as a reference for clinicians and surgeons to help them in clinical decision-making.

Can routine perioperative haemodynamic parameters predict postoperative morbidity after major surgery?

BackgroundPostoperative morbidity occurs in 10–15% of patients undergoing major noncardiac surgery. Predicting patients at higher risk of morbidity may help to optimize perioperative prevention. Preoperative haemodynamic parameters, systolic arterial pressure (SAP) < 100 mmHg, pulse pressure (PP) > 62 mmHg or < 53 mmHg, and heart rate (HR) > 87 min-1 are associated with increased postoperative morbidity. We evaluated the correlation between these and other routine haemodynamic parameters, measured intraoperatively, with postoperative morbidity. Postoperative morbidity was measured using the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) and length of stay (LOS). Additionally we correlated CCI with the cardiac risk biomarker, preoperative NT-ProBNP.MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis of patients in MET-REPAIR, a European observational study correlating self-reported physical activity with postoperative morbidity. Patients’ electronic anaesthetic records (EARs) including perioperative haemodynamic data were correlated with 30-day postoperative morbidity, CCI and LOS parameters. Statistical analysis to assess for correlation was by Kendall’s Correlation Coefficient for tied ranks (Tau-B) or Spearman’s Correlation Coefficient. Blood for N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) measurement was collected < 31 days before surgery.ResultsData from n = 50 patients were analysed. When stratified according to age > 70 years and ASA > 3, the duration of MAP < 100 mmHg, < 75 mmHg or < 55 mmHg were associated with a higher CCI (tau = 0.57, p = 0.001) and duration < 75 mmHg was associated with prolonged LOS (tau = 0.39, p = 0.02). The intraoperative duration of PP > 62 mmHg was associated with LOS (tau = 0.317, p = 0.007). There was no correlation between preoperative NT-proBNP and either CCI or LOS.ConclusionsIn older and higher risk patients, duration of intraoperative hypotension by a variety of definitions, or PP > 62 mmHg, are associated with increased postoperative CCI and LOS. These findings warrant confirmation in larger databases with evaluation of whether real-time intraoperative intervention could reduce postoperative morbidity.

The Impact of Sarcopenia on Postoperative Course following Pancreatoduodenectomy: Single-Center Experience of 110 Consecutive Cases

Background: Despite that mortality following pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) has gradually dropped during the past few decades, the incidence of postoperative complications remains high, ranging from 30–60%. Many studies have been focused on identification of perioperative risk factors for morbidity, and in recent years, sarcopenia has been pointed out as a valid predictor of postoperative complication. Materials and methods: Perioperative data from 110 consecutive patients who underwent PD were retrieved, and the presence of sarcopenia was assessed by the measurement of Hounsfield unit average calculation on preoperative CT scans. Postoperative complications were graded according to Clavien-Dindo classification, and the morbidity burden was assessed by comprehensive complication index (CCI) calculation. Results: Sarcopenia was associated with advanced age (72 vs. 66 years; p = 0.014) and lower preoperative albumin levels (3.5 vs. 3.7 g/dL; p = 0.010); it represented an independent risk factor for clinically relevant complications (relative risk: 1.71; p = 0.015) and was related to a higher rate of Grade C postoperative pancreatic fistula (50.0 vs. 11.4%; p = 0.005) and a higher CCI (47.6 vs. 29.6; p = 0.001). Conclusions: Sarcopenia represents a valid indicator of increased morbidity risk and may play a central role in preoperative risk stratification, allowing the selection of patients who may benefit from prehabilitation programs.

Serum Irisin Predicts Posthepatectomy Complications in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Background Hepatectomy remains one of the most effective treatments for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, it can lead to serious complications. Irisin, a key regulator of energy metabolism, is secreted into the circulation by shedding of the extracellular portion of the fibronectin type III domain-containing 5 (FNDC5). We have shown that irisin administration alleviates liver ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice. However, the role of preoperative irisin levels in HCC patients who underwent hepatectomy remained unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine how irisin expression changes in HCC and to explore the relationship between preoperative serum irisin levels and complications after hepatectomy. Methods FNDC5/irisin expression data in HCC were extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. A total of 219 participants, including 102 healthy controls and 117 HCC patients, were recruited in this study. All HCC patients underwent hepatectomy at the First Affiliated Hospital of the Xi'an Jiaotong University. Preoperative serum irisin levels were measured by ELISA. Postoperative complications were assessed using the comprehensive complication index (CCI) score. The Pearson rank correlation coefficient was computed to assess the correlation between preoperative serum irisin levels and postoperative CCI scores. Results In TCGA dataset, FNDC5/irisin expression was downregulated in HCC tissues (P < 0.001). Similarly, serum irisin levels were decreased in HCC patients (P < 0.001). Low preoperative serum irisin levels were significantly correlated with high CCI scores after hepatectomy. Conclusions Irisin may be a novel serum biomarker in the diagnosis of HCC and a predictor of complications after hepatectomy.

Onset of Donor Warm Ischemia Time in Donation After Circulatory Death Liver Transplantation: Hypotension or Hypoxia?

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of hypoxia and hypotension during the agonal phase of donor warm ischemia time (DWIT) on hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) and complications in donation after circulatory death (DCD) liver transplantation. A retrospective single‐center study of 93 DCD liver transplants (Maastricht type III) was performed. DWIT was divided into 2 periods: the agonal phase (from withdrawal of treatment [WoT] until circulatory arrest) and the asystolic phase (circulatory arrest until cold perfusion). A drop to <80% in peripheral oxygenation (SpO2) was considered as hypoxia in the agonal phase (SpO2‐agonal) and a drop to <50 mm Hg as hypotension in the agonal phase (SBP‐agonal). Peak postoperative aspartate transaminase level >3000 U/L was considered as severe hepatic IRI. SpO2 dropped within 2 minutes after WoT <80%, whereas the systolic blood pressure dropped to <50 mm Hg after 9 minutes, resulting in a longer SpO2‐agonal (13 minutes) than SBP‐agonal (6 minutes). In multiple logistic regression analysis, only duration of SpO2‐agonal was associated with severe hepatic IRI (P = 0.006) and not SBP‐agonal (P = 0.32). Also, recipients with long SpO2‐agonal (>13 minutes) had more complications with a higher Comprehensive Complication Index during hospital admission (43.0 versus 32.0; P = 0.002) and 90‐day graft loss (26% versus 6%; P = 0.01), compared with recipients with a short SpO2‐agonal (≤13 minutes). Furthermore, Cox proportional hazard modeling identified a long SpO2‐agonal as a risk factor for longterm graft loss (hazard ratio, 3.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.15‐9.48; P = 0.03). In conclusion, the onset of hypoxia during the agonal phase is related to the severity of hepatic IRI and postoperative complications. Therefore, SpO2 <80% should be considered as the start of functional DWIT in DCD liver transplantation.

Comprehensive Complication Index Measure at Moment of Post-Liver Transplant Discharge Well Predicts Long-Term Survival

Allocation policies for liver transplantation (LT) are worldwide based on MELD score. However, if on one side this score represents the cornerstone of priority process, on the other side poor evidence exists on its ability to predict post-LT death. As a consequence, new scores able to predict post-LT survival are required. The comprehensive complication index (CCI) calculated during the post-operative hospital stay represents an interesting predictor of long-term mortality. The aim of the present study is to firstly identify potential predictors of poor CCI, and then to compare CCI with other risk factors in terms of death prediction. A retrospective analysis based on 240 consecutive LT patients undergoing transplant at Sapienza University of Rome during the period 2008-2016 were evaluated. Median time after LT was 40 (IQR: 12-98) months. At ROC analysis, the best predictor of CCI≥50 was the MELD value at the moment of LT (AUC=0.695; p=0.001). UNOS status 1A, donor and recipient age, HCV-related cirrhosis or presence of hepatocellular cancer were not predictors of post-LT high CCI values. Testing CCI as a predictor of post-LT death, it was the unique statistically significant variable able to predict death, with an excellent 0.831 of AUC (p<0.0001). Nor MELD neither UNOS status 1A were similarly efficacious. Also after removing early (<3 months) post-LT deaths, CCI maintained its diagnostic ability (AUC=0.867; p<0.0001). As for post-LT survival, patients with CCI≥50 had a 5-year survival rate of 55.2% vs. 94.4% of cases meeting this threshold value (p<0.0001). Initial clinical course identified by CCI value strongly influences the entire post-LT story of the patient: CCI is an excellent predictor of death when compared with other risk factors. Studies aimed at externally validate this score are needed.

Comprehensive Complication Index Predicts Cancer-specific Survival After Resection of Colorectal Metastases Independent of RAS Mutational Status.

To investigate prognostic impact of postoperative complications for colorectal liver metastases (CLM) in the era of RAS mutation analysis. Postoperative complications have been associated with cancer-specific outcomes in multiple malignancies. We identified 575 patients with known RAS mutation status who underwent hepatic resection for CLM during 2008 to 2014. Postoperative complications were scored with the comprehensive complication index (CCI), and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was used as an indicator of systemic inflammation before and after surgery. Survival after resection of CLM was stratified by CCI (high, ≥26.2; low, <26.2). Eighty-eight patients had high and 487 low CCI. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) after hepatic resection were worse in patients with high CCI than in patients with low CCI (RFS at 3 yrs 26% vs. 41%, P = 0.003; CSS at 5 yrs 46% vs. 64%, P = 0.003). High CCI (odds ratio 3.99, P <0.001) was associated with high NLR (>5) 3 months after hepatic resection. Five factors were associated with worse CSS: high CCI [hazard ratio (HR) 1.61, P = 0.022], primary positive node (HR 1.70, P = 0.003), multiple CLM (HR 1.72, P = 0.001), CLM ≥3 cm (HR 1.73, P <0.001), and mutant RAS (HR 2.04, P <0.001). Receiver operating characteristic and area under receiver operating characteristic curves revealed CCI to be a more sensitive, specific, and accurate predictor of RFS and CSS than NLR. High CCI is a potent predictor of worse RFS and CSS after resection of CLM. The ramifications of postsurgical complications extend beyond direct influence on patient outcomes to impact cancer-related survival.

Incidence and risk factors associated with a high comprehensive complication index score after splenectomy in cirrhotic patients with hypersplenism

BackgroundPostoperative complications after splenectomy are not rare and can be serious in cirrhotic patients. The purpose of this study was to assess postoperative complications using the comprehensive complication index (CCI) after splenectomy in cirrhotic patients and identify risk factors for those who developed a high postoperative CCI score. Materials and methodsThis retrospective study included 208 adult patients with viral hepatitis-related cirrhosis, who underwent elective splenectomy at our hospital from January 2002 to June 2012. The primary outcome was the CCI score. A CCI score >30 was considered to be a high CCI score. ResultsThe median CCI score in this cohort was 25.6 (range: 8.7-62.9), and 66 patients (31.7%) had a CCI score >30. Univariable and multivariable analyses showed that the risk factors independently associated with a high CCI score were a history of hypertension and a model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score ≥10 prior to splenectomy. ConclusionsA high CCI score is common in cirrhotic patients undergoing splenectomy. The CCI is a useful grading system to assess postoperative morbidity in cirrhotic patients undergoing splenectomy. Preoperative blood pressure control is recommended and cirrhotic patients with an elevated MELD score should consider other treatment options for hypersplenism.

Early Postoperative Decrease of Serum Albumin Predicts Surgical Outcome in Patients Undergoing Colorectal Resection.

A simple and accurate predictor of postoperative complications is needed for early and safe discharge after surgery. A decrease in serum albumin is commonly observed early after surgery, even in patients with normal preoperative levels. However, whether it predicts patient postoperative outcome is unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the reduction in serum albumin within 2 postoperative days compared with the preoperative level could serve as an independent predictor of postoperative complications after colorectal surgery. This was a retrospective study from a single institution. The study was conducted in a tertiary referral hospital. A total of 626 patients undergoing major colorectal surgery between December 2012 and January 2016 were eligible for this study. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors for postoperative complications and to identify the factors associated with Δalbumin. Receiver operating characteristic curves were developed to examine the cutoff value of the change in albumin in predicting postoperative complications. Among all of the patients, the median Δalbumin after surgery was 15%. ΔAlbumin was an independent risk factor for overall complications (p < 0.01). The cutoff value was 15%, and an increased area under the curve compared with C-reactive protein occurred on postoperative day 3 or 4. Patients with a Δalbumin ≥15% experienced more postoperative major complications, a higher comprehensive complication index, a longer postoperative stay, and increased surgical site infections (p < 0.05) than those <15%. ΔAlbumin correlated with sex, type of surgery, stoma creation, C-reactive protein on postoperative day 3 or 4, and intraoperative blood transfusion. Postoperative C-reactive protein remained independently associated with Δalbumin (p < 0.01). The study was limited by its retrospective nature. A cutoff value of a 15% reduction in serum albumin within 2 postoperative days could help to identify patients with a high probability of postoperative complications and permit safe and early discharge after colorectal surgery.

Postoperative decrease of serum albumin predicts short-term complications in patients undergoing gastric cancer resection.

AIMTo find an accurate and simple predictor for postoperative short-term complications after gastrectomy.METHODSTwo hundred and twenty-three patients undergoing gastric cancer resection between October 1, 2015 and September 30, 2016 were enrolled in this study. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify risk factors for complications after gastrectomy. The cutoff values and diagnostic accuracy were examined by receiver operating characteristic curves.RESULTSSixty-two (27.8%) patients had short-term complications after gastric cancer resection. The postoperative decrease in serum albumin (∆ALB) was an independent risk factor for complications (OR = 17.957, 95%CI: 6.073-53.095, P < 0.001). The cutoff value was 14.0% and the area under the curve was higher than that of C-reactive protein on postoperative day 3 (area under the curve: 0.806 vs 0.709). Patients with ∆ALB ≥ 14.0% were more likely to have short-term complications after gastrectomy (46.7% vs 5.0%, P < 0.001), prolonged hospital stay (17.2 ± 10.8 d vs 14.1 ± 4.2 d, P = 0.007) and higher comprehensive complication index (P < 0.001) than those with ∆ALB < 14.0%.CONCLUSIONPostoperative ∆ALB with a cutoff of 14.0% can be used to recognize patients who have high risk of short-term complications following gastric cancer resection.

External Validation of the Estimation of Physiologic Ability and Surgical Stress (E-PASS) Risk Model to Predict Operative Risk in Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma

Resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) is high-risk surgery, with reported operative mortality up to 17%. Therefore, preoperative risk assessment is needed to identify high-risk patients and anticipate postoperative adverse outcomes. To provide external validation of the Estimation of Physiologic Ability and Surgical Stress (E-PASS) risk model in a Western PHC cohort. The E-PASS variables were obtained from a database that included 156 consecutive patients who underwent resection for suspected PHC between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2015, at the Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The accuracy of E-PASS using intraoperative variables and its modified form that can be used before surgery (mE-PASS) in predicting mortality was assessed by area under the curve analysis (discrimination) and by the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test (calibration). In-hospital mortality, severe morbidity (Clavien-Dindo grade≥III), and a high Comprehensive Complication Index. Among 156 patients included in the study, the median age was 63 years, and 62.8% (n = 98) were male. Of them, 85.3% (n = 133) underwent major liver resection. Severe morbidity occurred in 51.3% (n = 80), and in-hospital mortality was 13.5% (n = 21). Both E-PASS and mE-PASS had adequate discriminative performance, with areas under the curve of 0.78 (95% CI, 0.67-0.88) and 0.79 (95% CI, 0.70-0.89), respectively, while E-PASS showed better calibration (P = .33 vs P = .02, Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test). The ratios of observed to expected mortality were 1.31 for E-PASS and 1.24 for mE-PASS. Both models were able to distinguish groups with low risk, intermediate risk, and high risk, with observed mortality rates of 0.0% to 3.6%, 8.3% to 9.0%, and 25.0% to 28.3%, respectively. Severe morbidity and a high Comprehensive Complication Index were more frequently observed among high-risk patients. Both E-PASS models accurately identify patients at high risk of postoperative in-hospital mortality after resection for PHC. The mE-PASS model can be used before surgery in outpatient settings and allows for risk assessment and shared decision making.

Risk factors for a high Comprehensive Complication Index score after major hepatectomy for biliary cancer: a study of 229 patients at a single institution

BackgroundThe Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) is a new tool to evaluate the postoperative condition by calculating the sum of all complications weighted by their severity. The aim of this study was to identify independent risk factors for a high CCI score (≥40) in 229 patients after major hepatectomies with biliary reconstruction for biliary cancers. MethodsThe CCI was calculated online via www.assessurgery.com. Independent risk factors were identified by multivariable analysis. Results57 (25%) patients were classified as having CCI ≥ 40. On multivariable analysis, volume of intraoperative blood loss (≥2.5 L) (p = 0.004) and combined pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) (p = 0.006) were independent risk factors for CCI ≥ 40. A high level of maximum serum total bilirubin was identified as independent risk factors for a high volume of intraoperative blood loss. Liver failure (p = 0.046) was more frequent in patients with combined PD than in those without. DiscussionPatients who undergo preoperative external biliary drainage for severe jaundice might have impaired production of coagulation factors. When blood loss during liver transection becomes difficult to control, surgeons should consider various strategies, such as second-stage biliary or pancreatic reconstruction. In patients planned to undergo major hepatectomy with combined PD, preoperative portal vein embolization is mandatory to prevent postoperative liver failure.

Arterial Lactate Concentration at the End of an Elective Hepatectomy Is an Early Predictor of the Postoperative Course and a Potential Surrogate of Intraoperative Events.

To test the prognostic impact of arterial lactate concentration at the end-of-surgery (LCT-EOS) on postoperative outcome after elective liver-resections and to identify the predictors of an increase in LCT-EOS. A recent systematic-review of risk-prediction-models for liver resections has evidenced their poor accuracy and a deficit in the evaluation of intraoperative events. LCT-EOS is a marker of impaired tissue oxygenation. This prospectively-designed study was based on a training-cohort of 519 patients and a validation-cohort of 466 patients. For each of the endpoints (high comprehensive complication index (CCI) scores, 90-day-mortality and severe-morbidity), prognostic-models were built by logistic-regression using the training-cohort. These models were thereafter tested in the validation-cohort and their performance (discrimination, accuracy, calibration) assessed. Independent predictors of LCT-EOS were also identified. In the training-cohort, LCT-EOS cutoff best discriminating high-CCI, 90-day-mortality and severe-morbidity were 3, 3 and 2.8 mmol/L (and the corresponding AUROC 0.86, 0.87 and 0.76). LCT-EOS was an independent predictor of endpoints and adding LCT-EOS to the other predictors increased by 16.4%, 34.5% and 17.7% the accuracy of the models for high-CCI, 90-day-mortality and severe-morbidity, respectively. The models had high calibration and accuracy. Diabetes, repeat-hepatectomy, major-hepatectomy, synchronous-major-procedure, inflow-occlusion and blood-transfusion were independent predictors of LCT-EOS >3 mmol/L. LCT-EOS >3 mmol/L is an early predictor of postoperative-outcome and should be used as a tool to determine patients requiring critical-care and as an endpoint in studies measuring the impact of perioperative interventions.