Does Preoperative Weight Loss Affect Outcomes After Major Liver Resection? Analysis of a National Database

Introduction: The association between unintentional weight loss (WL) and outcomes after major hepatectomy for malignancy remains unclear.Methods: This retrospective cohort study reviewed the 2014-2019 NSQIP database of all patients who underwent major liver resections. The patients were categorized into two groups based on their history of weight loss. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day mortality. The secondary outcome was 30-day in-hospital complications.Results: In total, 384 patients had a history of preoperative weight loss. Preoperative WL was an independent predictor of septic shock (OR, 2.44; CI: 1.61, 3.69), bile leak (OR: 1.96; CI: 1.51, 2.55), and grade C liver failure (OR: 2.57; CI: 1.64, 4.01). However, preoperative WL was not a significant predictor of perioperative mortality (OR: 1.38; CI: 0.82, 2.32).Conclusion: The study found higher morbidity rates in patients undergoing liver resection with a history of weight loss. Further validation with prospective weight monitoring is needed to validate as a prognostic marker in patients undergoing hepatectomy. In addition, weight changes can help guide multidisciplinary decision-making in treating patients undergoing hepatectomy.