Major hepatectomy in children: Approaching blood transfusion-free

Chih Che Lin, Chao Long Chen*, Yu Fan Cheng, King Wah Chiu, Bruno Jawan, Chih Cheng Hsaio

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: Major hepatectomy complicated with massive blood loss requires blood transfusion, which may result in increased morbidity and mortality. Intraoperative techniques and postoperative management that achieves blood transfusion-free major hepatectomy in children are described. Methods: Fourteen children with a mean age of 3.1 years and mean body weight of 14 kg underwent major hepatectomy between May 1994 and September 2002. Demographic information, surgical techniques, and intraoperative management were analyzed. Results: Hepatectomy included right trisegmentectomy in seven cases, extended right lobectomy in three, right lobectomy in two, and left lobectomy in two. Preoperative imaging, hemihepatic inflow control, intraoperative ultrasonography, and ultrasonic dissection were routinely applied. Fluid was restricted to target a low central venous pressure (5 cm H2O) during transection. Postoperative low hemoglobin (>6.3 g/dl) was tolerated in pediatric patients. There was no operative mortality or major complications and only two cases of pleural effusion. The mean blood loss was 68 ml (range 1.25-13.0 ml/kg), and no blood transfusions were required intraoperatively. Blood transfusion was given because of a liberal strategy for major operation in two patients and preoperative tumor bleeding in one. Conclusions: Despite being technically challenging, major hepatectomy can be performed with minimal blood loss and without blood transfusion in children to decrease postoperative complications.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1115-1119
Number of pages5
JournalWorld Journal of Surgery
Volume30
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 06 2006
Externally publishedYes

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