Blood Type as a Potential Predictor of Hemorrhagic Risk in Patients Undergoing Partial Hepatectomy for Colorectal Liver Metastasis

TL;DR

This study examines whether blood type O increases bleeding risk during liver surgery for colorectal cancer but finds no significant differences.

Contribution

The study provides new evidence that blood type O does not significantly influence bleeding outcomes in partial hepatectomy for CRLM.

Findings

No significant differences in blood loss or transfusion rates were found between blood type O and non-O patients.

Non-O patients had higher postoperative INR, but this did not lead to increased bleeding or transfusion needs.

Blood type O was not associated with increased perioperative bleeding risk in patients with CRLM.

Abstract

Background: Hepatic resection is performed for liver lesions and requires careful preoperative planning to minimize bleeding. Blood type O, associated with lower von Willebrand factor (vWF) levels, may increase bleeding risk. This study investigates the relationship between the ABO blood type and perioperative bleeding in partial hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs). Methods: Out of 563 patients who underwent hepatectomy, 135 cases were analyzed for CRLM at Carmel Medical Center (2013–2023). Patients were categorized into blood type O (61 patients) and non-O (74 patients) groups. Data on perioperative hemoglobin levels, blood loss, coagulation parameters, transfusion needs, and complications were assessed using χ2, t-tests, and ANOVA (p < 0.05). Results: No significant differences were observed for estimated blood loss (474.3 ± 696 mL for O vs. 527.8 ± 599 mL for non-O; p = 0.29), intraoperative hemoglobin drop (p = 0.613), or transfusion rates (24.59% for O vs. 28.37% for non-O; p = 0.698). Although non-O patients had a higher postoperative INR (p = 0.035), this did not correlate with increased bleeding or transfusion needs. Conclusions: Blood type O does not significantly affect perioperative bleeding or transfusion requirements in partial hepatectomy for CRLM. Further research is needed to better understand the significance of the ABO blood type.

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