Liver regeneration following hepatectomy in cirrhotic and non cirrhotic patients

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the regenerative capacity of the cirrhotic liver, 20 patients undergoing hepatectomy, six of whom were cirrhotic in Child's A grading, were studied. The hepatic regeneration was evaluated in terms of function and volume by ultrasound. A mean hepatic volume of 72% and 64% of its preoperative value after six weeks and 89.91% and 69.80% after six months, were observed after a mean of 48.88% and 49.75% hepatectomy in the non-cirrhotic and cirrhotic group respectively. The liver function tests were little disturbed in the control patients, but showed obstructive and parenchymal type of changes in the cirrhotics which progressed to a fatal end in two patients. Proper selection, evaluation of the hepatic reserves and accordingly, the permissible volume of hepatectomy, good operative technique, avoiding all possible postoperative complications, and metabolic support of the patients are strongly advised for all cirrhotic patients undergoing hepatectomy