Bile Leakage After Hepatic Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Does It Impact the Short- and Long-term Outcomes?

BACKGROUND: Bile leakage (BL) is one of the commonest morbidities after hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The current study was conducted to evaluate the incidence and different predictive factors for BL after hepatic resection for HCC, and to evaluate of the impact of BL on the long-term survival outcomes. METHODS: We reviewed the patients’ data who underwent hepatic resection for HCC during the period between June 2010 and June 2019. RESULTS: A total of 293 patients were included in the study. BL occurred in 17 patients (5.8%). More Child–Pugh class B patients were found in BL group. There were no significant differences between the two groups except for tumor site, macroscopic portal vein invasion, extent of liver resection, Pringle maneuver use, intraoperative blood loss, and transfusions. Longer hospital stay, higher grades of post-hepatectomy liver failure, and abdominal collections were noted in BL group. After median follow-up duration of 17 months (4–110 months), there were no significant differences between BL and non-BL group regarding overall survival (log-rank, p = 0.746) and disease-free survival (log-rank, p = 0.348). In multivariate analysis, Child–Pugh class, macroscopic portal vein invasion, liver resection extent (minor/major), and Pringle’s maneuver use were the only significant predictors of BL. CONCLUSION: BL did not significantly impair the long-term outcomes after hepatic resection for HCC. Child–Pugh class, macroscopic portal vein invasion, liver resection extent (minor/major), and Pringle’s maneuver use were the main risk factors of BL in the current study.