Publication:

A study of rate of volumetric regeneration of liver after liver resection and its correlation with platelets and synthetic liver function tests: a single tertiary care centre experience

Background Aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of pre and postoperative platelet counts and synthetic liver function tests on liver regeneration and its correlation with CT volumetry in patients undergoing liver resections with curative intent.

Methods All major and minor liver resections (maximum 30) between July 2016 and May 2019 at our hospital were included in the study according to the inclusion criteria and patients who had data available on preoperative, 2 weeks and 2 months postoperative platelet counts, synthetic liver function tests as well as triple phase CECT images, were identified retrospectively and these tests will be done for patients who are included prospectively.

Results The rate of regeneration expressed as % RFLR is proportional to the extent of resection. It was less than 20% in WLE and less than 100% in left lobe resections and 100 to 300% in patients undergoing right hepatectomies and extended right hepatectomies. There was no statistically significant effect of sex, age, BMI, serum albumin, platelet count, INR, preoperative chemotherapy and presence of cirrhosis on percentage of regeneration as well as rate of regeneration. However, perioperative low serum albumin and platelet count had statistically significant effect on mortality (p<0.001).

Conclusions We conclude that; greater the extent of liver resection, faster is the rate of regeneration. Perioperative low serum albumin and platelet counts have significant effect on mortality.