The impact of cirrhosis and MELD score on postoperative morbidity and mortality among patients selected for liver resection.

Background: Independent associations between chronic liver disease, MELD, and postoperative outcomes among patients selected for liver resection have not been completely established. We hypothesized independent associations between MELD, cirrhosis, and postoperative mortality.
Methods: Patient-level data from the targeted hepatectomy module and ACS NSQIP PUF during 2014-2015 were merged. Multivariable regression models with interaction effect between MELD and liver texture (normal, congested/fatty, cirrhotic) tested the independent effects of covariates on mortality and morbidity.
Results: 3,530 patients were included, of whom 668 patients (19%) had cirrhosis. ACS NSQIP defined mortality (3.9%vs1.1%) and morbidity (23.5%vs15.8%) were higher in patients with cirrhosis (both p < 0.001). In multivariable models, cirrhosis (OR = 2.24; 95%CI:1.16-4.34, p = 0.016) and MELD (OR = 1.10; 95%CI:1.03-1.18, p = 0.007) were independently associated with mortality. MELD (OR = 1.04; 95%CI:1.002-1.08, p = 0.038) was associated with postoperative morbidity.
Conclusions: Higher MELD and presence of cirrhosis have an independent negative effect on mortality after liver resection. MELD could be used to estimate postoperative risk in patients with and without cirrhosis.
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