Asymmetric kinetics of volume and function of the remnant liver after major hepatectomy as a key for postoperative outcome - A case-matched study

Abstract Background The kinetics of remnant liver (RL) function is unknown after major hepatectomy (MH), especially in case of post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). This study investigated the change in RL function after MH using 99mTc-labelled-mebrofenin SPECT-scintigraphy and its correlation with RL volume and PHLF. Methods From 2011 to 2015, 125 patients undergoing MH had volumetric assessment by CT and functional SPECT-scintigraphy preoperatively and at day 7 (POD7) and 1 month (1M). RL volume and function changes were compared in (i) overall population and (ii) 17 patients with vs. 42 without PHLF (ISGLS) matched on preoperative RL function. Results Increase in RL function correlated poorly with volume increase at POD7 (r = 0.035, p = 0.43) and 1M (r = 0.394, p Conclusions We first showed via sequential SPECT-scintigraphy that RL function increase after MH is slower than volume increase. A poor kinetic of function was correlated with PHLF as early as POD7, contrasting with substantial volume gain in PHLF patients.