Bile Leakage After Hepatectomy for Liver Tumors

Abstract

This study aimed to clarify the predictive factors for bile leakage after hepatectomy for liver tumor in terms of the International Study Group of Liver Surgery (ISGLS) definition. Between August 2006 and July 2012, 242 patients with a diagnosis of liver tumor underwent hepatectomy in our department, and the total bilirubin level of peritoneal drainage fluid prior to removal of the abdominal drains was examined. The data on all of the patients were analyzed retrospectively to identify the factors that might significantly affect the postoperative bile leakage. There was no grade C bile leakage, and grade A was documented in 65 patients (26.9%) and grade B in 7 patients (2.9%) in terms of the ISGLS definition. Although there was no significant difference in postoperative hospital stay between grade A bile leakage only and those without bile leakage (P = 0.933), a significant difference was noted between grades A and B (median, 11.0 versus 21.0 days; P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed 4 independent significant predictive factors: prolonged operation time (P = 0.040), cholecystectomy (P = 0.048), non–portal vein embolization (P = 0.010), and preoperative chemotherapy (P = 0.021). The ISGLS definition of bile leakage is clinically useful. Prolonged operation time, cholecystectomy, non–portal vein embolization, and preoperative chemotherapy were significant independent risk factors of bile leakage in this study.