Evaluation of Trans-Hepatic Flow Changes in Major Hepatectomy-THEFLOW Study

Liver resection is an efficient treatment for primary and secondary hepatic tumors and increases long term survival. Improvements in patient selection criteria, surgical methods, and postoperative care have increased the indications for major and extended hepatectomy (EH). Post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is a major complication following EH and is called small for size and flow syndrome (SFSF). SFSF significantly increases morbidity and mortality. The current SFSF treatments are not effective because tissue damage following SFSF is irreversible and the liver parenchyma loses the ability to regenerate. The best approach to improve patient survival is to predict SFSF and perform adequate preventive procedures during liver resection. SFSF is caused by changes in trans-hepatic flow and a low future liver remnant volume. Portal vein flow (PVF), hepatic artery flow (HAF), and portal vein pressure (PVP) are the main criteria for SFSF development. Following EH, the ratio of HAF to the remnant liver weight (HAF/100gr) decreases, while the PVF/100gr and the PVP increase. This has various pathologic consequences, which lead to SFSF. Troisi et al. suggested an upper limit of 250 ml/min/100g for PVF to prevent SFSF after living donor liver transplantation. A vascular modulation that decreases the PVF/100gr and PVP and increases the HAF/100gr may prevent SFSF. The mechanisms that alter trans-hepatic flow after hepatectomy and living donor transplantation are similar, but the effect of these changes on SFSF has not been studied following liver resection. Exploring the changes in trans-hepatic flow after major and extended hepatectomy and determining the factors that influence these changes would allow us to modulate hepatic inflow during hepatectomy to prevent PHLF.