Functional hepatocellular regeneration in elderly patients undergoing hepatectomy

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Regenerative Medicine
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Over 50% of liver tumors occur in patients aged 65 and older.
• Assessing functional liver regeneration is vital to prevent postoperative liver failure.
• Partial hepatectomy is a common treatment for liver lesions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare functional hepatocellular regeneration in elderly versus younger patients after partial hepatectomy.
• To quantify liver regeneration using scintigraphic Mebrofenin hepatic extraction fraction (HEF).

Main Methods:

• 102 patients undergoing partial hepatectomy were divided into two groups: <65 years (Group A) and ≥65 years (Group B).
• Mebrofenin-hepatic extraction fraction (HEF) was assessed preoperatively, and on days 5 and 30 post-hepatectomy.
• Groups were comparable, with cirrhosis more common in Group B (all Child-Pugh A).

Main Results:

• No significant differences in mortality or morbidity were observed between Group A (3.4%, 12.1%) and Group B (2.3%, 11.4%).
• Scintigraphic evaluation showed no significant differences in HEF, T1/2, or Tmax between elderly and younger patients at any time point.
• Functional liver regeneration parameters were consistently similar across both age groups.

Conclusions:

• Functional hepatocellular regeneration is rapid and comparable in elderly and younger patients post-hepatectomy.
• Age alone is not an absolute contraindication for undergoing hepatectomy.
• This study supports the safety and efficacy of hepatectomy in older patient populations.