Heparin is an effective treatment for preventing liver failure after hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is one of the most important causes of death following liver resection. Heparin, an established anticoagulant, can protect liver function through a number of mechanisms, and thus, prevent liver failure. AIM: To look at the safety and efficacy of heparin in preventing hepatic dysfunction after hepatectomy. METHODS: The data was extracted from Multiparameter Intelligent Monitoring in Intensive Care III (MIMIC-III) v1. 4 pinpointed patients who had undergone hepatectomy for liver cancer, subdividing them into two cohorts: Those who were injected with heparin and those who were not. The statistical evaluations used were unpaired t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, chi-square tests, and Fisher's exact tests to assess the effect of heparin administration on PHLF, duration of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, need for mechanical ventilation, use of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), incidence of hypoxemia, development of acute kidney injury, and ICU mortality. Logistic regression was utilized to analyze the factors related to PHLF, with propensity score matching (PSM) aiming to balance the preoperative disparities between the two groups. RESULTS: In this study, 1388 patients who underwent liver cancer hepatectomy were analyzed. PSM yielded 213 matched pairs from the heparin-treated and control groups. Initial univariate analyses indicated that heparin potentially reduces the risk of PHLF in both matched and unmatched samples. Further analysis in the matched cohorts confirmed a significant association, with heparin reducing the risk of PHLF (odds ratio: 0.518; 95% confidence interval: 0.295-0.910; P = 0.022). Additionally, heparin treatment correlated with improved short-term postoperative outcomes such as reduced ICU stay durations, diminished requirements for respiratory support and CRRT, and lower incidences of hypoxemia and ICU mortality. CONCLUSION: Liver failure is an important hazard following hepatic surgery. During ICU care heparin administration has been proved to decrease the occurrence of hepatectomy induced liver failure. This indicates that heparin may provide a hopeful option for controlling PHLF.

The impact of post-hepatectomy liver failure on long-term survival after liver resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Although post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) can accurately predict short-term mortality of liver resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA), its significance in predicting long-term overall survival (OS) is still uncertain. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was performed on patients with pCCA who underwent liver resection between October 2013 and December 2018. The patients were divided into 3 groups; No PHF, PHLF (all grade) and grade B/C PHLF according to The International Study Group of Liver Surgery (ISGLS) criteria. RESULTS: A total of 177 patients were enrolled, 65 (36.7%) had PHLF; 25 (14.1%) had grade A, and 40 (22.6%) had grade B/C. Prior to surgery, patients with PHLF showed significantly greater bilirubin levels and CA 19-9 level than those without (11.5 vs 6.7 mg/dL, p = 0.002 and 232.4 vs 85.9 U/mL, p = 0.005, respectively). Additionally, pre-operative future liver remnant volume in PHLF group was lower than no PHLF group significantly (39.6% vs 43.5%, p = 0.006). Major complication and 90-day mortality were higher in PHLF group than no PHLF group (69.2% vs 20.5%, p < 0.001 and 29.2% vs 3.6%, p < 0.001, respectively). The OS in both grade A PHLF and grade B/C PHLF was significantly worse compared to no PHLF, with median survival times of 8.4, 3.3, and 19.2 months, respectively (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Multivariable analysis revealed that PHLF was independently prognostic factor for long-term survival. CONCLUSION: To achieve negative resection margin, the surgical resection in pCCA was aggressive, however this increased the risk of PHLF, which also affects the OS. Consequently, it is necessary for establishing a balance between aggressive surgery and PHLF.

Evolución de los pacientes con enfermedad hepática crítica / Prognosis of patients with critical hepatic disease

INTRODUCTION: The acute liver failure on chronic (ACLF), is an entity, whose recognition is increasing. The ACLF and CLIF OF indexes have been recently presented with the objective of predicting mortality in this kind of patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients admitted to the Ramón y Cajal University Hospital diagnosed of acute liver failure on chronic during 2016 and 2017 were collected. We collect the scores: SOFA, CLIF, APACHE II, SAPS II and ACLF score in patients admitted to the ICU by comparing them with each other and define which stages have worse prognosis. RESULTS: A total of 46 patients were collected. The study presents an intra ICU mortality of 31% (15/46) and a six-month mortality of 59.6% (28/46). Patients classified as death, present ACLF values ​​at admission (49.5 vs 60 p = 0.001), and at three days (46.66 vs 59.4 p = 0.001) higher than survivors. In the analysis of the ROC curve, the area under the curve in relation to six-month mortality is higher in the ACLF index (0.8) compared to the MELD (0.69) SOFA (0.66) SAPS II (0.69) or APACHE II (0.65). Patients with ACLF indexes above 65 had an intra UCI mortality of 54%, however, mortality at 6 months is 90%. Patients with ACLF values ​​greater than 65 present mean values ​​of lactic acid, leukocytes, INR or bilirubin higher than those under 65 in a statistically significant manner. CONCLUSIONS: The data presented in this study suggest that the ACLF index works as an adequate predictor of intra-ICU mortality and at 6 months.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El fallo hepático agudo sobre crónico es una entidad cuyo reconocimiento va en aumento. Los índices ACLF y CLIF OF, han sido presentados recientemente con el objetivo de predecir la mortalidad en este tipo de enfermos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se recogen todos los pacientes ingresados en una unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) de un hospital terciario universitario, diagnosticados de fallo hepático agudo sobre crónico durante 2016 y 2017. Recogemos los índices SOFA, CLIF, APACHE II, SAPS II Y ACLF en pacientes ingresados en UCI comparándolos entre sí. Definimos que estadios presentan peor pronóstico. RESULTADOS: Se analizan un total de 46 pacientes. El estudio presenta una mortalidad intra-UCI del 31% (15/46) y una mortalidad a los seis meses de 59,6% (28/46). Los pacientes clasificados como éxitus presentan valores ACLF al ingreso (49,5 vs 60 p = 0,001), a los tres días (46,66 vs 59,4 p = 0,001) superiores a los supervivientes. En el análisis de la curva COR, el área bajo la curva en relación a la mortalidad a los seis meses, es superior en el índice ACLF (0,8) en comparación con el MELD (0,69) SOFA (0,66) SAPS II (0,69) o APACHE II (0,65). Los pacientes con índices ACLF superiores a 65 presentaban una mortalidad intra-UCI del 54% sin embargo, la mortalidad a los 6 meses es del 90%. Los pacientes con valores ACLF superiores a 65 presentan a su vez valores medios de láctico, leucocitos, INR o bilirrubina mayores de forma estadísticamente significativa. CONCLUSIONES: Los datos presentados en este estudio sugieren que el índice ACLF funciona como un adecuado predictor de mortalidad intra-UCI y a los 6 meses.

Predictive factors of early graft loss in living donor liver transplantation / Fatores preditivos da perda precoce do enxerto hepático em transplante hepático intervivos

CONTEXT: Living donor liver transplantation has become an alternative to reduce the lack of organ donation. OBJECTIVE: To identify factors predictive of early graft loss in the first 3 months after living donor liver transplantation. METHODS: Seventy-eight adults submitted to living donor liver transplantation were divided into group I with 62 (79.5%) patients with graft survival longer than 3 months, and group II with 16 (20.5%) patients who died and/or showed graft failure within 3 months after liver transplantation. The variables analyzed were gender, age, etiology of liver disease, Child-Pugh classification, model of end-stage liver disease (MELD score), pretransplantation serum sodium level, and graft weight-to-recipient body weight (GRBW) ratio. The GRBW ratio was categorized into < 0.8 and MELD score into >18. The chi-square test, Student t-test and uni- and multivariate analysis were used for the evaluation of risk factors for early graft loss. RESULTS: MELD score <18 (P<0.001) and serum sodium level > 135 mEq/L (P = 0.03) were higher in group II than in group I. In the multivariate analysis MELD scores > 18 (P<0.001) and GRBW ratios < 0.8 (P<0.04) were significant. CONCLUSIONS: MELD scores >18 and GRBW < 0.8 ratios are associated with higher probability of graft failure after living donor liver transplantation.

CONTEXTO: O transplante hepático intervivos constitui alternativa para amenizar a falta de doação de órgãos. OBJETIVO: Identificar os fatores preditivos da perda precoce do enxerto hepático nos 3 primeiros meses após transplante hepático intervivo. MÉTODOS: Setenta e oito adultos submetidos ao transplante de fígado intervivos foram divididos em grupo I com 62 (79,5%) doentes com sobrevivência do enxerto superior a 3 meses, e grupo II com 16 (20,5%) que faleceram e/ou apresentaram falha do enxerto até 3 meses após o transplante hepático. As variáveis analisadas foram: sexo, idade, origem da doença hepática, classificação de Child-Pugh, critério MELD, nível sérico de sódio pré-transplante e relação GRBW. O critério MELD foi categorizado em > 18 e a relação GRBW em < 0,8. Na avaliação dos fatores de risco para perda precoce do enxerto hepático foi utilizada a análise uni e multivariada. RESULTADOS: Critério MELD <18 (P = 0,001) e nível sérico de sódio >135 mEq/L (P = 0,03) foram maiores nos doentes do grupo II. A probabilidade de perda do enxerto no transplante hepático intervivos teve como variáveis independentes o índice MELD > 18 e a relação GRBW< 0,8. CONCLUSÃO: Os valores de MELD >18 e GRBW <0,8 estão associados com maior probabilidade de insucesso no transplante hepático intervivos.

Utilidad del MELD (Model for End-stage Liver Disease) para asignar prioridades en el trasplante hepático / The value of MELD in the allocation of priority for liver transplantation candidates

El trasplante hepático es el tratamiento de elección de las enfermedades hepáticas crónicas descompensadas. La disparidad en el número de órganos donantes y potenciales receptores condiciona una notable mortalidad pretrasplante que obliga a una óptima racionalización en la asignación de órganos. El MELD (Model for End-stage Liver Disease) es un índice pronóstico de mortalidad objetivo y fácilmente reproducible, basado en tres variables analíticas simples: la bilirrubina, la creatinina sérica y el cociente internacional normalizado del tiempo de protrombina (INR). La implementación del MELD como sistema de asignación de órganos ha disminuido la mortalidad en lista de espera sin afectar la supervivencia postrasplante. No obstante, el MELD tiene algunas limitaciones que obligan a seguir mejorando el sistema de asignación de prioridad en lista de espera de trasplante hepático (AU)

Liver transplantation is the most effective treatment for many patients with chronic end-stage liver disease. The discrepancy between the number of donor organs and potential recipients causes marked pre-transplantation mortality and consequently optimal rationalization of organ allocation is essential. The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) is an objective and easily reproducible prognostic index of mortality based on three simple analytical variables: bilirubin and serum creatinine and the prothrombin time/International Normalized Ratio (INR) of protrombine time. The implementation of MELD as an organ allocation system has reduced mortality on the waiting list without affecting post-transplantation survival. Nevertheless, this model has some limitations and consequently further investigations should be performed to improve the organ allocation policy in liver transplantation (AU)

Evaluación de los sistemas de soporte hepático extracorpóreo en el tratamiento de la insuficiencia hepática. Revisión sistemática / Evaluation of extracorporeal liver support systems in the treatment of liver failure. A systematic review

Objetivo. Evaluar la eficacia y la seguridad de los sistemas de soporte hepático extracorpóreo Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System (MARS(R)) y Prometheus(R) en el tratamiento de la insuficiencia hepática. Diseño. Revisión sistemática de la literatura médica desde enero de 1999 hasta junio de 2009 en las bases de datos Medline, Embase, HTA, DARE, NHSEED, Cochrane Library Plus, Clinical Trials Registry y Health Services Research Projects in Progress. La selección de estudios se realizó mediante una serie de criterios de inclusión previamente establecidos, relativos al diseño del estudio, a la población, al tipo de intervención, al idioma y a las variables de resultado. Pacientes e intervenciones. Pacientes con insuficiencia hepática aguda o insuficiencia hepática crónica agudizada en tratamiento con los sistemas MARS(R) o Prometheus(R). Pacientes e intervenciones. Variables de resultado: datos relativos a la seguridad, a la supervivencia a largo plazo, a los efectos clínicos y a las variables bioquímicas y hemodinámicas. Resultados. Se seleccionaron 22 estudios que evaluaban la eficacia y la seguridad de los sistemas MARS(R) y Prometheus(R). Se observó la existencia de heterogeneidad y limitaciones metodológicas que dificultó la correcta evaluación de estas técnicas. Conclusiones. Los sistemas de soporte hepático extracorpóreo son capaces de depurar tanto sustancias hidrosolubles como sustancias unidas a proteínas. Sin embargo, los datos actuales muestran que solo el sistema MARS(R) reduce la mortalidad en la insuficiencia hepática aguda y en la insuficiencia hepática crónica agudizada, aunque de forma no significativa. Estas técnicas pueden considerarse seguras, con efectos adversos similares a los del grupo control. Su principal indicación sería en la insuficiencia hepática grave de forma limitada en el tiempo, mientras se recupera el órgano o se produce su trasplante (AU)

ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of the MARS(R) and Prometheus(R) extracorporeal liver support systems in the treatment of liver failure. Design. We performed a systematic review of the literature from January 1999 to June 2009 in the Medline, Embase, HTA, DARE, NHSEED, Cochrane Library Plus, Clinical Trials Registry and HSRPROJ databases. Study selection was based on a series of previously established inclusion criteria related to the study design, population, type of intervention, language, and outcome measures. Patients and interventions. Patients with acute liver failure or acute exacerbations of chronic liver failure treated with the MARS(R) or Prometheus(R) systems. Outcome measures: data on safety, long-term survival, clinical effects and biochemical and hemodynamic variables. Results. We selected 22 studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of the MARS(R) and Prometheus(R) systems. Adequate evaluation of these techniques was hampered by the heterogeneity of the studies and their methodological limitations. Conclusions. Extracorporeal liver support systems are able to purify both hydrosoluble and protein-bound substances. However, current data show that only the MARS(R) system reduces mortality in acute liver failure and in acute exacerbations of chronic liver failure, although this reduction is non-significant. These techniques can be considered safe, with adverse effects similar to those of the control group. Their main indication is severe liver failure, for short periods while the liver recovers or a liver transplant becomes available (AU)

Usefulness and Safety of Extracorporeal Liver Support Therapy Using MARS(R) for Patients with Liver Failure: A Preliminary Report / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARS(R)) is a form of artificial extracorporeal liver support and can be used for a bridge to spontaneous recovery of hepatic function or liver transplantation in patients with liver failure. This study evaluated the usefulness of MARS(R) in patients with liver failure. METHODS: Between January 2004 and July 2007, 30 patients (21 males and 7 females; age 48.9+/-12.9 years) with acute or acute-on-chronic liver failure were managed using MARS(R). We assessed laboratory data, the grade of hepatic encephalopathy, Child-Turcotte-Pugh class, and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score. RESULTS: The number of patients with acute liver failure and acute-on-chronic liver failure was 16 and 14, respectively. The mean cycle of MARS(R) in patients with liver failure was 2.2 sessions. After MARS(R) had been performed, serum total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), BUN, creatinine, ammonia level, daily urine output, and MELD score were improved (p<0.05). In contrast, MARS(R) failed to improve Child-Turcotte-Pugh score and the grade of hepatic encephalopathy. Liver transplantation was performed in 8 patients. Among them, 5 (62.5%) patients survived and 3 (37.5%) patients died. Twenty two patients underwent MARS(R) without liver transplantation and 4 (18.2%) of them survived. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with liver failure, MARS(R) improved the laboratory data and hepatic and renal function associated clinical characteristics. However, MARS(R) without liver transplantation did not improve survival. MARS(R) may be useful as a bridge therapy to liver transplantation in patients with liver failure.

Marginal grafts increase early mortality in liver transplantation / Enxertos marginais aumentam a mortalidade precoce no transplante de fígado

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Expanded donor criteria (marginal) grafts are an important solution for organ shortage. Nevertheless, they raise an ethical dilemma because they may increase the risk of transplant failure. This study compares the outcomes from marginal and non-marginal graft transplantation in 103 cases of liver transplantation due to chronic hepatic failure. DESIGN AND SETTING: One hundred and three consecutive liver transplantations to treat chronic liver disease performed in the Liver Transplantation Service of Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo between January 2001 and March 2006 were retrospectively analyzed. METHODS: We estimated graft quality according to a validated scoring system. We assessed the pre-transplantation liver disease category using the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD), as low MELD (< 20) or high MELD (> 20). The parameters for marginal and non-marginal graft comparison were the one-week, one-month and one-year recipient survival rates, serum liver enzyme peak, post-transplantation hospital stay and incidence of surgical complications and retransplantation. The significance level was 0.05. RESULTS: There were no differences between the groups regarding post-transplantation hospital stay, serum liver enzyme levels and surgical complications. In contrast, marginal grafts decreased overall recipient survival one month after transplantation. Furthermore, low-MELD recipients of non-marginal grafts showed better one-week and one-month survival than did high-MELD recipients of marginal livers. After the first month, patient survival was comparable in all groups up to one year. CONCLUSION: The use of marginal graft increases early mortality in liver transplantation, particularly among high-MELD recipients.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: A utilização de doadores com critérios expandidos (enxertos marginais) é uma importante solução para a carência de órgãos para transplante. No entanto, isto suscita importante dilema ético porque esses órgãos podem aumentar a chance de insucesso do transplante. Este estudo compara os resultados do transplante de órgãos marginais e não-marginais em 103 pacientes portadores de doença hepática crônica. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Cento e três transplantes consecutivos de fígado por doença hepática crônica realizados no Serviço de Transplante de Fígado do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo foram retrospectivamente analisados, compreendendo o período de janeiro de 2001 a março de 2006. MÉTODOS: A qualidade do enxerto foi calculada utilizando sistema de pontuação validado. A doença hepática do receptor também foi classificada em MELD (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease) baixo (< 20) e MELD alto (> 20). Os parâmetros avaliados na comparação entre receptores de órgãos marginais e não-marginais foram: sobrevida do paciente em uma semana, um mês e um ano, pico sérico das enzimas hepatocelulares, dias de internação pós-transplante e incidência de complicações cirúrgicas e retransplantes. O índice de significância foi de 0.05. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença entre os grupos quanto ao tempo de internação pós-transplante, pico sérico das enzimas hepatocelulares e incidência de complicações cirúrgicas. Em contraste, a utilização de enxertos marginais diminuiu a sobrevida global de um mês. Os receptores de enxertos não-marginais com baixo MELD apresentaram melhor sobrevida em uma semana e um mês do que os receptores de enxertos marginais com alto MELD. Após o período de um mês, a taxa de sobrevida foi similar até um ano em todos os grupos. CONCLUSÃO: Em conclusão, o uso de enxerto marginal aumenta mortalidade precoce no transplante de fígado, principalmente nos receptores com alto MELD.

Fatores de risco para a falência do transplante ortotópico de fígado no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / Risk factors for orthotopic liver transplantation failure in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Fatores de risco para falência do transplante ortotópico de fígado com doador cadáver foram investigados em estudo longitudinal retrospectivo com informações da Central Estadual de Transplantes e prontuário clínico de residentes no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, submetidos, após os 15 anos de idade, pela primeira vez, a esse transplante de janeiro de 1999 a julho de 2003 (n = 313). Houve 13 por cento de falências (n = 41) no primeiro mês, 11 por cento (n = 34) de 2 a 12 meses e 5 por cento (n = 17) após esse período; 88 por cento das falências resultaram em óbito, 12 por cento, em retransplante. Nos modelos multivariados, a taxa de falência foi maior para renda familiar menor que dez salários-mínimos, idade maior que 45 anos, cor não branca, mau estado geral à época do transplante e doador com 56 anos ou mais. Gênero feminino evidenciou efeito apenas no modelo bruto, perdendo o efeito no modelo multivariado. Apoio social, com complementação de renda e pronto diagnóstico com ingresso na lista em boas condições clínicas, pode favorecer o sucesso do transplante hepático.

Risk factors for failure of liver transplantation from cadaveric donors were investigated in this retrospective study using data from medical records of patients in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, who were submitted to liver transplantation for the first time from January 1999 to July 2003 and were over 15 years of age at the time of surgery. Some 13 percent of failures occurred in the first month, 11 percent from 2 to 12 months, and 5 percent after 12 months; 88 percent of failures resulted in death and 12 percent in retransplantation. In the multivariate models, rate ratios for failure were higher for total family income less than 10 times the minimum wage, recipient's age > 45 years, non-whites, high clinical risk, and donor's age > 56 years. Female gender showed an effect in the unadjusted model only. Special attention to patients at increased risk, with income support for those with low family income, and early diagnosis of the need for transplantation may improve the success of liver transplantation.

Factores asociados a mortalidad en cirugía mayor: análisis retrospectivo en un centro de referencia / Mortality associated factor in major surgery: retrospective analysis in a referral center

Background. There are very few studies that analyze surgical morbidity and mortality in the general population and the factors associated with those events. Objective. To determine factors associated to mortality in surgical procedures performed in a tertiary referral center in Mexico City. Methods. We retrospectively analyze surgical mortality in 4,157 consecutive surgical procedures performed in a one-year period from 1/1/2000 through 12/31/2000. Categorical variables were analyzed with the chi-square test and continuous variables with the t-Student test. Significance was defined as p < O.OB. Results. During the study period there were 76 postoperative deaths, representing a mortality rate of 1.82%. Mean patient's age in the entire cohort was 48.7 ± 17.6 years and for the patients who died in the postoperative period 57.8 ± 17.8 years (p < 0.05). Sixty-six percent of deaths were attributed to the primary or surgical disease. In 33.8% of postoperative deaths an adverse event was identified as responsible for the outcome. In 23% of cases there was a potentially preventable event, representing 0.3% of surgical procedures. Most patients (96.9%) had at least one co-morbid condition and 61.5% had two or more. Almost 80% of surgical deaths occurred in patients with ASA score III of TV and albumin levels below 3.5 g/dL. Most common cause of death was sepsis, reported in 35% of patients who died in the postoperative period. Conclusion. Surgical mortality in our series is low. In 0.3% of procedures it was detected a potentially preventable event. Postoperative deaths occurred in older patients with low albumin levels.

Introducción. Existen pocos estudios que analicen la mortalidad quirúrgica general y los factores asociados a la misma. Objetivo. Estudiar las causas y factores asociados a mortalidad quirúrgica en las intervenciones quirúrgicas realizadas en el INCMNSZ. Métodos. Se analizó en forma retrospectiva la mortalidad quirúrgica asociada a 4,157 procedimientos consecutivos realizados del 1/1/2000 al 31/12/2000. Los factores asociados a mortalidad fueron analizados mediante la prueba de chi-cuadrada para variables categóricas y t de Student para variables continuas. Se estableció como significativa a p < 0.05. Resultados. Durante ese periodo ocurrieron 76 muertes postoperatorias, lo que representa una mortalidad global de 1.82% para todos los procedimientos. El promedio de edad para los 4,157 procedimientos fue de 48.7 ± 17.6 años y para las muertes postoperatorias fue de 57.8 ± 17.8 años (p < 0.05). El 66.2% de las muertes se atribuyeron a la enfermedad de base o a la patología que motivó la cirugía. En 33.8% de las muertes se identificó algún evento diferente a la enfermedad primaria como responsable de la muerte. En 23% se identificó algún evento potencialmente prevenible, lo que representa 0.3% del total de eventos quirúrgicos. El 96.9% de los pacientes tenía al menos una comorbilidad y 61.5% cursaba con dos o más. El 78.5% de las muertes sucedió en pacientes ASA III-IV. El 80% de las muertes se asoció a niveles preoperatorios de albúmina por debajo de 3.5 g/dL. La causa de muerte más frecuentemente reportada fue sepsis en 35% de los eventos. Conclusión. La mortalidad postoperatoria en nuestra serie es baja. En 0.3% de los pacientes sometidos a cirugía se detectó algún evento potencialmente prevenible. Las muertes postoperatorias ocurrieron en pacientes más viejos y con niveles bajos de albúmina.