Factors retarding enhanced recovery from thermal ablation of liver tumors: A single-center prospective study

To evaluate the risk factors that may delay enhanced recovery in the ablation of liver tumors.

A total of 310 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided ablation of liver tumors under general anesthesia were prospectively enrolled. Baseline data, intraoperative parameters, and postoperative events were evaluated. Postoperative pain was scored using the visual analog scale (VAS). Logistic regression analysis was conducted for univariate and multivariate analyses.

The study included 42 females (13.5%) and 268 males (86.5%). The mean age of the sample was 57 ± 11 years old. The average length of stay (LOS) was 4.3 ± 2.4 days. A total of 199 out of 310 patients (64.2%) experienced moderate to severe pain (VAS score > 3). Seventy out of 310 patients (22.6%) experienced other complications. In the multivariable analysis, the number of lesions [odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 3.23 (2.15-4.84); P < 0.001], maximum diameter of lesions [1.12 (1.07-1.17), P < 0.001], and smallest distance between the lesions and the liver capsule [0.91 (0.89-0.94), P < 0.001] were risk factors for postoperative pain (VAS > 3). A history of alcohol consumption [2.62 (1.33-5.19), P = 0.005] was a risk factor for other complications. Surgical history [0.40 (0.24-0.67), P = 0.001] was a protective factor against LOS. Total operation time [1.01, 1.00-1.01, P = 0.009] was a mild risk factor for LOS.

The number of lesions, maximum diameter of the lesions, smallest distance between the lesions and the liver capsule, total operation time, and a history of alcohol use were risk factors that may delay enhanced recovery in patients undergoing ablation of liver tumors. These findings may provide evidence to promote the use of the enhanced recovery after surgery protocol.