Outcomes and prognostic variables associated with right divisional hepatic lobectomies in 70 dogs

To determine the outcome and prognostic variables associated with survival and complications in dogs undergoing right divisional hepatic lobectomies.

Multi-institutional retrospective case series.

A total of 70 client-owned dogs with right divisional hepatic masses.

Medical records of dogs undergoing right divisional hepatic lobectomies and partial lobectomies from January 1, 2008 to January 1, 2022 were reviewed and key variables were extracted. Univariable logistic regression estimated effects of risk factors. Kaplan-Meier survival curves estimated overall survival times (OST) and median survival times (MST).

Intraoperative complications occurred in 38/70 (54.3%) dogs. A total of 15 dogs (21.4%) required blood transfusions. No surgical method was associated with intraoperative (p = .566), immediate postoperative (p = .756), or short-term complications (p = .799). Perioperative mortality risk was 2.9% and 30-day mortality risk was 12.1%. There were differences in survival based on the requirement for advanced hemodynamic support (p = .004). Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was the most common diagnosis at 52.9%. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates for dogs with HCC were 77%, 55%, and 12%, respectively, with 35.3%, 48.8%, and 65.8% lost to follow-up at 1, 2, and 3 years.

Right divisional hepatic lobectomies were associated with a high intraoperative complication risk, with 21% of dogs requiring blood transfusions; however, no intraoperative deaths occurred. No surgical method was associated with greater risk of complications.

Despite high intraoperative complication risks, right divisional lobectomy and partial lobectomy may carry a lower risk of perioperative mortality than previously considered.