Indication of the extent of hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma on cirrhosis by a simple algorithm based on preoperative variables.
OBJECTIVE
To produce a model indicating the extent of hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma on cirrhosis based on easily available preoperative data.


METHODS
Retrospective study based on multicenter prospectively updated databases.


METHODS
Two tertiary referral centers specializing in hepatobiliary surgery.


METHODS
A total of 466 patients undergoing hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma on cirrhosis between 1995 and 2006.


METHODS
To create a decision tree for safe liver resection based on factors affecting irreversible postoperative liver failure (IPLF).


RESULTS
A total of 23 patients (4.9%) developed IPLF. The model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score (categorized as <9, 9-10, and >10; P < .05 for all comparisons) and extent of hepatectomy were independent predictors of IPLF. In patients with a MELD score of less than 9, the IPLF rate was 0.4%. In patients with a MELD score of 9 or 10, the IPLF rate was 1.2% for resections of less than 1 segment, 5.1% for segmentectomies or bisegmentectomies, and 11.1% for major hepatectomies. In this category of MELD, serum sodium levels identified a low-risk group (sodium > or =140 mEq/L; to convert to millimoles per liter, multiply by 1.0) not experiencing IPLF and a high-risk group (sodium <140 mEq/L) in which resections of less than 1 segment led to an IPLF rate of 2.5% and resections of 1 segment or more led to an IPLF rate of more than 5% (P < .05). In patients with a MELD score of more than 10, the IPLF rate was more than 15% in all types of hepatectomies.


CONCLUSIONS
A simple algorithm based on the MELD score and serum sodium level can indicate the maximum tolerable extent of hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma on cirrhosis.
Cescon
Matteo
M
Liver and Multiorgan Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy. matteo.cescon@aosp.bo.it
Cucchetti
Alessandro
A
Grazi
Gian Luca
GL
Ferrero
Alessandro
A
Viganò
Luca
L
Ercolani
Giorgio
G
Zanello
Matteo
M
Ravaioli
Matteo
M
Capussotti
Lorenzo
L
Pinna
Antonio Daniele
AD
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000465:Algorithms; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006498:Hepatectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000150:complications*; D017093:Liver Failure / Q000453:epidemiology; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015233:Models, Statistical; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult