Factors affecting sufentanil consumption for intravenous controlled analgesia after hepatectomy: retrospective analysis

Background Pain control after hepatectomy is usually achieved by opioids. There are significant individual differences in the amount of opioids used after hepatectomy, and the metabolism of opioids is liver-dependent. The purpose of our study was to explore the possible risk factors for opioid consumption during the first 48 h after surgery. Methods In a retrospective study design involving 562 patients undergoing open or laparoscopic hepatectomy, all patients were treated with intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) along with continuous and bolus doses of sufentanil for a duration of 48 h after surgery during the time period of August 2015 and February 2019. The primary endpoint was high sufentanil consumption 48 h after hepatectomy, and patients were divided into two groups: those with or without a high PCA sufentanil dosage depending on the third quartile (Q3). The secondary endpoint was the effect of a high PCA sufentanil dosage on various possible clinical risk factors. The relevant parameters were collected, and correlation and multivariate regression analyses were performed. Results The median operation time was 185 min (range, 115–250 min), and the median consumption of sufentanil 48 h after the operation was 91 μg (IQR, 64.00, 133.00). Factors related to the consumption of sufentanil at 48 h after hepatectomy included age, operation time, blood loss, intraoperative infusion (red blood cells and fresh-frozen plasma), pain during movement after surgery (day 1 and day 2), preoperative albumin, and postoperative blood urea nitrogen. Age (≤ 60 and > 60 years), extent of resection (minor hepatic resection and major hepatic resection), surgical approach (laparoscope and open) and operation time (min) were independent risk factors for sufentanil consumption at 48 h postoperatively. Conclusion Age younger than 60 years, major hepatic resection, an open approach and a longer operation are factors more likely to cause patients to require higher doses of sufentanil after hepatectomy, and the early identification of such patients can increase the efficacy of perioperative pain management.

Is sarcopenia a risk factor for reduced diaphragm function following hepatic resection? A study protocol for a prospective observational study

IntroductionSarcopenia is associated with reduced pulmonary function in healthy adults, as well as with increased risk of pneumonia following abdominal surgery. Consequentially, postoperative pneumonia prolongs hospital admission, and increases in-hospital mortality following a range of surgical interventions. Little is known about the function of the diaphragm in the context of sarcopenia and wasting disorders or how its function is influenced by abdominal surgery. Liver surgery induces reactive pleural effusion in most patients, compromising postoperative pulmonary function. We hypothesise that both major hepatic resection and sarcopenia have a measurable impact on diaphragm function. Furthermore, we hypothesise that sarcopenia is associated with reduced preoperative diaphragm function, and that patients with reduced preoperative diaphragm function show a greater decline and reduced recovery of diaphragm function following major hepatic resection. The primary goal of this study is to evaluate whether sarcopenic patients have a reduced diaphragm function prior to major liver resection compared with non-sarcopenic patients, and to evaluate whether sarcopenic patients show a greater reduction in respiratory muscle function following major liver resection when compared with non-sarcopenic patients.Methods and analysisTranscostal B-mode, M-mode ultrasound and speckle tracking imaging will be used to assess diaphragm function perioperatively in 33 sarcopenic and 33 non-sarcopenic patients undergoing right-sided hemihepatectomy starting 1 day prior to surgery and up to 30 days after surgery. In addition, rectus abdominis and quadriceps femoris muscles thickness will be measured using ultrasound to measure sarcopenia, and pulmonary function will be measured using a hand-held bedside spirometer. Muscle mass will be determined preoperatively using CT-muscle volumetry of abdominal muscle and adipose tissue at the third lumbar vertebra level (L3). Muscle function will be assessed using handgrip strength and physical condition will be measured with a short physical performance battery . A rectus abdominis muscle biopsy will be taken intraoperatively to measure proteolytic and mitochondrial activity as well as inflammation and redox status. Systemic inflammation and sarcopenia biomarkers will be assessed in serum acquired perioperatively.Ethics and disseminationThis trial is open for recruitment. The protocol was approved by the official Independent Medical Ethical Committee at Uniklinik (Rheinish Westphälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen (reference EK309-18) in July 2019. Results will be published via international peer-reviewed journals and the findings of the study will be communicated using a comprehensive dissemination strategy aimed at healthcare professionals and patients.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials. gov (EK309-18); Pre-results.

Efficacy of Pre-Operative Portal Vein Embolization of Biliary Neoplasm before Major Hepatectomy

Background: Malignant biliary neoplasm is relatively common in Southeast Asia. Portal vein embolization (PVE) is a preoperative procedure to induce hypertrophy of future liver remnants. PVE can decrease the rate of post hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of preoperative PVE of biliary neoplasm patient prior to major hepatic resection. Materials and Methods: The study included 53 patients with biliary neoplasm planned for major hepatic resection and that underwent PVE between July 2013 and August 2019. Liver volumetry before and after PVE was analyzed. Operative procedure and post hepatectomy outcome were evaluated. Results: Peri-hilar type cholangiocarcinoma, Bismuth-Corlette classification IIIA was the most frequent tumor. The technical success rate of PVE is 100%. Future liver remnant (FLR) volume after PVE was significantly increased from 379.1 to 460 mL (p<0.001). Post PVE FLR over total functional liver volume (TFLV) ratio was significantly increased from 27.8% to 34.6%(p<0.001). The mean kinetic growth rate (KGR) per week was 7.1%. Twenty-four patients underwent subsequent hepatectomy, and two patients presented with PHLF. Twenty-nine patients (54.7%) did not undergo subsequent hepatectomy as planned due to advanced disease with 21 (72.4%) because of locally advanced cancer, peritoneal carcinomatosis, and N2 lymph nodes metastasis), four (13.8%) that refused surgical treatment, and three (10.3%) that were loss to follow-up. Conclusion: Preoperative PVE before major hepatic resection in biliary neoplasm patients is an effective procedure to increase FLR, FLR/TFLV ratio, and provide good KGR. However, more than half of post preoperative PVE could not be obtained hepatectomy because of the progression to advanced stage of disease. Keywords: Biliary neoplasm, Portal vein embolization, Future liver remnant, Major hepatic resection, Post hepatectomy liver failure