Assessment of liver function by 99m T c -GSA SPECT scintigraphy after laparoscopic liver resection

Introduction: Several studies reported the utility and safety of laparoscopic liver resection (LH), however, there are few reports that quantified liver function after LH. This study aimed to evaluate liver function after LH with 99mTc-GSA SPECT scintigraphy and to compare with open liver resection (OH). Methods: Between April 2012 and August 2015, liver resection was performed in 350 patients. Of those 161 patients who had 99mTc-GSA scintigraphy both before and after surgery, were included in this study. LH was performed in 39 patients; pure LH (n = 14), hybrid LH (n = 23), and robotic liver resection (n = 2) (LH group). OH was performed in 122 patients (OH group). Patient characteristics, perioperative data, and 99mTc-GSA scintigraphy clearance (GSAC) before and after surgery were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Also no significant differences were found in patient characteristics, perioperative data, and type of liver resection between two groups except the tumor diameter, which was significantly larger in OH group than in LH group (p = 0.029). Although there were no significant differences in operative time, blood loss between two groups, intraoperative blood transfusion were significantly lower in LH group, compared to OH group (p = 0.028). Although no significant differences in the mortalities and morbidities were found between two groups, postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in LH groups compared to OH group (p < 0.001). Postoperative GSAC increased in both groups. No significant differences in the change rate of GSAC were found between two groups. Conclusion: Laparoscopic liver resection can be performed in safety with preserving postoperative liver function.