Search threshold values of future liver remnant function and volume for extensive resections in children

Abstract

Aim. To evaluate the relationship between the future liver remnant volume and function and determine the possible threshold values of these parameters for predicting posthepatectomy liver failure in children.Methods. Data of 57 patients who underwent major hepatectomy from July 2017 to February 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Before surgery all children underwent the CT-volumetry and 99mTc-Mebrofenin hepatobiliary scintigraphy. The threshold values for the future liver volume and function were considered 25%, and 2.7%/min/m2 , respectively. After surgery the ISGLS and 50–50 criteria for posthepatectomy liver failure were assessed. The principal components method was used to identify risk factors for its development. The correlation analysis included the maximum value of total bilirubin after hepatectomy, as well as the values of total bilirubin, albumin, urea, prothrombin index, international normalized ratio and platelets on the postoperative day 5.Results. The posthepatectomy liver failure was observed in 2 patients: grade B developed in a patient with FLR-V 43%, FLR-F 1.8%/min/m2 , grade A in a patient with FLR-V 16.5% and FLR-F 4.78%/min/m2 . A significant statistical relationship of average strength was revealed between the indicators of FLR-F and FLR-V (Pearson η = 0.409; p < 0.01). However, direct pairwise comparison did not reveal the relationship between future liver remnant volume, function and the laboratory parameters. The principal components analysis showed that during the postoperative period, the prothrombin index and international normalized ratio value were the most sensitive to the large volume of the liver parenchyma loss. The threshold value of FLR-F (3%/min/m2 ) was calculated. The decrease below this value can lead to posthepatectomy liver failure, which will manifest as a hemostasis disorder.Conclusion. Planning a one-staged hepatectomy not only the future liver remnant volume should be taken into account, but also its function. The threshold for future liver remnant volume in children is below the generally accepted level 25%. To perform one-stage hepatectomies in such patients, the FLR-F must be at least 2.7%/min/m2 . The future investigations in this field is waranteed.