INDEX FOR PREDICTING POSTOPERATIVE RESIDUAL LIVER-FUNCTION BY PREOPERATIVE DYNAMIC LIVER SPET

To predict residual liver function before hepatic resection, we devise d a predictive index by combining clearance values with functional liv er volume measured by liver dynamic single photon emission tomography (SPET). Forty-seven patients with liver disease underwent liver dynami c SPET with Tc-99(m)-Sn colloid before hepatic resection. There were n o operation-related deaths. Three patients died from hepatic failure m ore than 1 month following the operation. Their predictive indices wer e 0.24, 0.33 and 0.34. When the predictive index was above 0.35, no pa tient had symptoms of hepatic failure or died. Our data suggest that w hen the predictive index is above 0.35, there is a low probability of hepatic failure after hepatectomy.