Aims. There has been a marked increase in the number of liver resections un
dertaken at Auckland Hospital since 1998. Low central venous pressure anaes
thesia was routinely used for liver resection during this period. The aim o
f this study was to review this experience, with particular emphasis on the
peri-operative outcomes of morbidity, mortality and blood product use.
Methods. All patients undergoing liver resection from January 1998 to May 2
001 were included in the review. Standardised data were collated retrospect
ively from hospital records and transferred to an electronic database for a
nalysis.
Results. Of 123 patients undergoing liver resection, 113 were elctive and t
en were urgent operations. 65% had major resections and 10% had synchronous
extrahepatic surgery. There were three post-operative deaths (mortality 2.
4%) due to liver failure and sepsis. One or more complications occurred in
68 patients (morbidity 55%). 72% did not receive a blood transfusion during
their hospital stay. Only two of 113 elective patients required a massive
blood transfusion (ten or more units).
Conclusions. Mortality in the study period was low but morbidity remains si
gnificant. Blood product use was low in elective patients. These results co
mpare well with those of specialised hepatobiliary units internationally.