Anticipating postoperative complications in hepatobiliary surgery: procalcitonine as predictive factor

TL;DR

This study shows that high procalcitonin levels after liver surgery are linked to complications and higher mortality, suggesting it could predict poor outcomes.

Contribution

The study validates procalcitonin as a potential predictor of post-hepatectomy complications and 30-day mortality.

Findings

Elevated procalcitonin levels are significantly associated with post-hepatectomy liver failure.

High procalcitonin levels correlate with 30-day mortality in ICU-admitted patients.

Procalcitonin could serve as a short-term prognostic marker after hepatic surgery.

Abstract

Few studies have indicated that procalcitonin has a potential role in anticipating postoperative complications of hepatic surgery. Here, we focused on validating the relationship between posthepatectomy and serum procalcitonin as short-term prognostic factors.

Data from 52 patients who underwent hepatectomy (partial) due to hepatocellular carcinoma from June 2018 to July 2023 were enrolled to evaluate the risk factors related to post-hepatectomy complications, especially post-hepatectomy liver failure and 30-day survival.

52 patients were included in the study, and their data was analyzed for PCT. 21 showed raised PCT (>1 ng/ml). Results showed a significant association of PCT with post-hepatectomy liver failure, and the same is associated with 30-day mortality in ICU-admitted patients.

Elevated PCT levels in patients after hepatic surgery are associated with poor prognosis and could be used as a potential predictive factor.

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