[Biliary bacterial infection in liver surgery]

Abstract

Hepatectomy for biliary tract carcinoma with obstructive jaundice is associated with a higher incidence of postoperative septic complications as compared with hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma or metastatic liver cancer. Since most bacteria isolated from septic sites are identical to those found in the preoperative percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) bile, bacterial colonization in bile appears to be responsible for posthepatectomy septic complications in patients with biliary tract carcinoma. Although it remains unclear how bile becomes contaminated after bile duct obstruction or why preoperative PTBD increases the incidence of biliary infection, bacterial translocation via the portal vein, resulting from loss of integrity of the intestinal mucosa and change in intestinal microflora, may in part account for the mechanisms. Moreover, impaired function of Kupffer cells and altered structure and function of hepatocyte tight junctions might also participate in the development of postoperative bacteremia in such patients. As septic complications and liver failure are profoundly associated with each other, it is important to take all measures before surgery to enhance liver function and to prevent postoperative septic complications.