Morphologic and functional changes in the remnant liver following resection for cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis

We studied the late effects of hepatic resection on the remnant liver in patients with cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis. Data were obtained from 15 patients who underwent primary resection for hepatocellular carcinoma, followed by a second operation for recurrence. The mean interval between primary and second operations was 21.5 months (range, 7-39 months). When we compared the histologic features of the resected specimens obtained at the two operations, no apparent changes were noted in 14 of the 15 patients who had had an uneventful perioperative course. However, in the remaining patient, who had experienced postoperative intraperitoneal bleeding, the histologic diagnosis was changed from chronic inactive hepatitis to cirrhosis 7 months later. With regard to serum chemistry, there was no statistically significant difference in values between the two operations. We conclude that hepatic resection does not derange morphologic and functional status of the remnant liver and that advancement of chronic liver disease may occur in case of perioperative complications leading to liver cell damage.