Comparing short-term outcomes after hepatic resection : is there a difference between then and now?

Introduction
Despite numerous advances, hepatic resection remains a challenging surgical procedure in developing countries. The objective of our study was to review the short term outcome of recent 75 cases of hepatic resection at our centre and compare the results with our previously published data.

Methods
All the patients who underwent a formal hepatic resection at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi between 2016 and 2018 were included in the current study. Group comparison was made between our previously published data [Group A] and the current results [Group B].

Results
The mean age of the patients in the current study was 54 years and there were 40 [53%] males. Hepatic resection was performed for hepatobiliary malignancies in 42, metastatic malignancy in 18 and symptomatic benign conditions in 15 patients. Major hepatic resection [>3 segments] was performed in 24 [32%] patients and the mean estimated blood loss was 643 millilitres. Post-operative complications were observed in 21 [28%] patients, while 30-day and 90-day mortality were 2.6% and 4%, respectively.

Group comparison with the previous data revealed that the estimated blood loss [p < 0.048] and transfusion requirements [P < 0.000] were significantly lower in group B. Group B also showed a trend towards lower postoperative complications, 30-day and 90-day mortality than Group A.

Conclusions
Despite small numbers in our study, there was a trend towards lower estimated blood loss, fewer transfusion requirements, and improved outcomes in the recent patients.