Risk factors for post-hepatectomy liver dysfunction in primary liver cancer patients with concurrent hepatic schistosomiasis and chronic hepatitis

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to analyze risk factors for development of post-hepatectomy liver dysfunction in primary liver cancer (PLC) patients with concurrent hepatic schistosomiasis and chronic hepatitis.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 73 PLC patients with concurrent hepatic schistosomiasis and chronic hepatitis, of which 16 patients developed liver dysfunction (persistent ascites or pleural effusion or occurrence of liver-related potentially fatal complications) following hepatectomy, was performed. After clinical characteristics were recorded, preoperative liver function parameters and surgery-related parameters in these patients were assessed. Seventeen potential risk factors for post-hepatectomy liver dysfunction were identified. The association between these potential risk factors and post-hepatectomy liver dysfunction then was analyzed.ResultsUnivariate analysis showed that liver cirrhosis, intraoperative blood loss, and preoperative total bilirubin were associated with the development of post-hepatectomy liver dysfunction. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of these three factors revealed that intraoperative blood loss ≥600 mL and cirrhosis were two independent risk factors for post-hepatectomy liver dysfunction in PLC patients with concurrent hepatic schistosomiasis and chronic hepatitis.ConclusionKeeping intraoperative blood loss below 600 mL can help avoid the development of post-hepatectomy liver dysfunction in liver cancer patients with concurrent hepatic schistosomiasis and chronic hepatitis. For patients with concomitant liver cirrhosis, every effort should be made to minimize potential liver function impairment induced by other adverse factors.