Risk factors associated with postoperative complications and prolonged postoperative length of stay after laparoscopic liver resection.

Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) has expanded rapidly. Previously published studies are limited to small samples and selected patients. Comprehensive data that may significantly influence the incidence of perioperative complications and postoperative length of stay (PLOS) are lacking.

To characterize complications after LLR and to identify risk factors associated with postoperative complications and prolonged PLOS.

This study was carried out at a high-volume HPB centre and included all patients who underwent LLRs between 2015 and 2018. Postoperative complications were analysed in detail. Logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors. The primary outcome was postoperative complications with a comprehensive complication index (CCI) ≥ 26.2. The second outcome was prolonged length of stay.

We identified 938 patients who underwent LLR. In the full cohort, 79 (8.4%) patients experienced major complications with a CCI ≥ 26.2, with postoperative mortality in 4 (0.4%) patients. On multivariate analysis, the diagnosis of primary (OR = 8.97, 95% CI: 2.54-43.74, p = 0.001) and metastatic liver tumours (OR = 5.74, 95% CI: 1.20-30.90, p = 0.028), infectious liver disease (OR = 24.04, 95% CI: 5.30-129.53, p < 0.001), difficult liver resection (OR = 2.77, 95% CI: 1.29-6.69, p = 0.014), and intraoperative bleeding > 1000 ml (OR = 9.29, 95% CI: 3.40-26.43, p < 0.001) were independent factors that increased the odds of major complications. The median PLOS after the operation was 5 days (range: 2-35 days). Factors that independently influenced prolonged PLOS on multivariate analysis were age over 70 years, metastatic liver tumour, difficult liver resection, liver cirrhosis, and right hepatectomy.

LLR remains safe for most liver space-occupying lesions. Several preoperative and intraoperative factors associated with the risk of complications and prolonged PLOS were identified. These factors should be considered during patient selection and perioperative management.