Hepatic clearance of remnant liver for assessing lobar difference of liver function in patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma: single center experience.

BACKGROUND

Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma with large hepatic resection is associated with high risk for morbidity and mortality. To improve outcomes, assessment of remnant liver function is crucial.

METHODS

A total of 70 patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma were examined retrospectively. Liver function was evaluated <1 month preoperatively by hepatic clearance of remnant liver using 99mTc-galactosyl serum albumin (GAS) scintigraphy and computed tomography, and clinicopathological data and outcomes were analyzed in comparison GSA scintigraphy with liver function test based on computed tomography volumetry.

RESULTS

There was no postoperative 90-day mortality, with 10 patients of posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) Grade A, 10 of Grade B, and 1 of Grade C. Area under the curve of receiver operating curve showed better prediction power for PHLF compared to remnant liver volume/body surface area or future liver remnant/body weight, especially in patients with incomplete change of liver function. In univariable analysis, <150 ml/min ml/min cutoff of hepatic clearance of remnant liver and >1750 ml intra-operative blood loss were significant risk factors for PHLF. In multivariable analysis, <150 ml/min cutoff was a significant risk factor for PHLF. The area under the curve of hepatic clearance of remnant liver indicated better predictivity in patients with incomplete change of liver function compared with complete change of liver function.

CONCLUSIONS

The hepatic clearance of remnant liver may have predictive power in patients with incomplete changes in liver function compared to computed tomography-based methods. Preoperative measurement of hepatic clearance of remnant liver may assist in risk stratification for surgical management.