[Complications of hepatic resection surgery: a 12-month experience in a high case-load specialized center].

Background: Surgical treatment indications in benign and malignant hepatic tumors changed in last 20 years. Total number of hepatic resections increased in reference centers.

Objective: To evaluate complications after hepatic resections in a specific center, during a 12 months period.

Methods: Between January 2001 and January 2002, 80 patients with hepatic resection were analyzed. Mean age 55 years (r:14-79). Female: 55%. We analyze: tumor specifications, hepatic resection performed, transfusions, vascular clamping, operative time, associated procedures, length of hospital stage, postoperative complications and mortality.

Results: 61 patients (76.2%) were treated because of malignant pathology and 19 for benign. In 30 patients (37.5%) was made major resections and minor in 50 (62.5%). 16 patients (20%) required blood transfusions. Vascular intermittent clamping was used in 66 patients (82.5%). Associated procedures were made in 46 patients (58%). Mean operative time was 200'. Mean hospital stage: 6 days (r:3-12). Morbidity: 15 patients (18.7%). Complications were significantly higher in patients with: major hepatic resections (p: 0.002); primary hepatic tumors (p: 0.01); mean operative time more than 200' (p: 0.00007). Mortality associated with the procedure: 0%.

Conclusions: 1-Hepatic resections performed in high volume centers have a low complication risk and almost with no mortality. 2-Major hepatic resection, primary malignant tumors and mean operative time more than 200', were risk factors associated with postoperative complications.