Risk factors for postoperative bile leakage: a retrospective single-center analysis of 411 hepatectomies

Abstract

Background: The primary focus of the study was to analyze the risk factors for bile leakage after hepatectomy for benign or malignant tumors.

Methods: A total of 411 patients who had undergone hepatectomy between December 2006 and December 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. The severity of bile leakage was graded according to the ISGLS classification. Twenty-eight pre- and postoperative parameters were analyzed.

Results: The overall bile leakage incidence was 10.2% (42/411). The severity of the leakage was classified according to the ISGLS classification. Bile leakage was detected early in case of abdominal drainage (11.4% vs 1.9%, P=0.034). It prolonged the time of hospitalization (16 vs 9 days, P=0.001). In all patients, wedge resection was associated with a higher incidence of bile leakage in contrast to anatomical resections (25.6% vs 4.1%, P<0.0001) regardless of the underlying liver disease. Furthermore, total vascular exclusion increased risk of bile leakage (P=0.008).

Conclusions: Bile leakage as a major issue after hepatic resection is related to the postoperative morbidity and the hospitalization time. It is associated with non-anatomical resection and a total vascular exclusion.