Selective continuous vascular occlusion and perioperative fluid restriction in partial hepatectomy. Outcomes in 101 consecutive patients

Background This study documents patient outcomes with one departmentʹs approach to performing partial hepatectomy. Methods 101 consecutive patients underwent: preoperative dehydration; intraoperative CVP <5 cm H2O and selective continuous vascular occlusion. Outcome variables: pathology; type of hepatic resection; intraoperative blood loss and transfusion rate; 30 day morbidity and mortality; disease free and long term survival. Perioperative liver function was assessed by serial blood sampling. Results Of 101 resections: 90% malignant disease; 59% major resections and 35% synchronous procedures. Median estimated blood loss was 400 mL (mean 512 mL, range 50–3000 mL) with postoperative transfusions in 4%. Thirty day morbidity was 20% with no deaths. Median time to local recurrence after colorectal liver metastases resection was 17.1 months with 3 year survival of 51%. Distinct perioperative changes in hepatic function were seen. Conclusion Selective continuous vascular occlusion and perioperative fluid restriction result in minimal blood loss, low morbidity and zero mortality in patients undergoing partial hepatectomy.