Risk factors for wound complications after associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) compared to repeated liver resection - a propensity score matching analysis

Abstract

Aim Sufficient liver function is crucial in extracellular matrix growth, hemostasis, and wound healing. Repeated abdominal surgery is a known risk factor for the development of wound complications. This study aimed to evaluate this high-risk constellation in patients undergoing associated liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) and repeated liver resections (RLR) in comparison to single liver resection (SLR). Method Forty patients who underwent ALPPS between 2011 and 2020 were evenly matched with patients undergoing RLR or SLR (n = 40 per group) using propensity scores. Postoperative outcomes were compared and factors associated with wound complications were analyzed. Results Postoperative wound complications were significantly more frequent in ALPPS group (p = 0.001). The reoperation rate was not significantly different between the three groups (p = 0.143). However, surgical reintervention due to wound complications occurred more frequently in the ALPPS group in relation to RLR and SLR (17.5% vs. 7.5% and 5% respectively). Length of stay was significantly longer in the ALPPS group (p = 0.033). ALPPS was an independent risk factor for postoperative wound complication (OR = 8.55, 95% CI:1.07–68.44, p = 0.043). Risk factor analysis identified age ≥ 60 years (OR = 27.64, 95% CI:3.09-246.75, p = 0.003), BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 (OR = 30.21, 95% CI:3.35-271.83, p = 0.002), and low postoperative albumin levels (OR = 168.41, 95% CI:7.76-3651.18, p = 0.001) as independent predictors of postoperative wound complications after major liver resection. Conclusion Patients undergoing ALPPS and RLR are faced with a high risk of developing wound complications. Older age, obesity, a history of previous abdominal surgery, and a decreased postoperative albumin level were independent risk factors for wound complications.