Pathophysiology and management of post resection liver failure

Post resection liver failure (PRLF) is defined by the occurrence of jaundice, coagulopathy and encephalopathy after liver resection. When PRLF is present, it has a high morbidity and mortality. The incidence of PRLF ranges between 0-30%. For having a healthy regeneration of the liver remnant an adequate number of hepatocytes and nonparenchymal cells, a normal functional and regenerative capacity and also a good accommodation of haemodynamic changes without congestion are needed. To avoid the presence of PRLF ongoing parenchymal damage after the liver resection should be avoided. So, ischemia reperfusion injury should be minimalized, infection and sepsis should be treated immediately and small for size syndrome should be avoided.