Risk Factors for Loss of Skeletal Muscle Mass and Its Correlation with Complications after Major Hepatectomy for Liver Cancer

Background Major hepatectomy for liver malignancies carries with large risks. Perioperative nutritional support plays a vital role for postoperative recovery. However, there are few studies focusing on predictions of postoperative complications and prognosis using postoperative loss of skeletal muscle mass (PLSMM) in acute stage after major hepatectomy. Objective To identify the change inskeletal muscle index (SMI), and to investigate risk factors for PLSMM, as well as its correlation with postoperative complications after major hepatectomy for liver cancer. Methods A total of 97 patients who received major hepatectomy for liver cancer from Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between July 2018 and August 2022 were included. The preoperative and postoperative day 5 skeletal muscle area at the third lumbar vertebra level was measured, respectively, using computed tomographic images. The postoperative change rate of SMI was calculated. The PLSMM was defined as the lowest tertile of the percent change in SMI, according to which the patients were divided into PLSMM and Non-PLSMM group. Baseline data, surgical and postoperative indices were collected and analyzed. Results SMI was decreased in 54 patients postoperatively. Thirty-two and 65 patients were assigned to the PLSMM group (SMI≤-3.59%) and Non-PLSMM groups (SMI>-3.59%), respectively. Compared with Non-PLSMM group, PLSMM group had longer operation time, more intraoperative blood loss and higher ratio of microvascular invasion (MVI) (P210 min〔OR=1.973, 95%CI (1.286, 4.936) 〕were risk factors associated with PLSMM (P210 min〔OR=2.958, 95%CI (0.918, 9.529) 〕 and blood loss >500 mL〔OR=1.003, 95%CI (1.001, 1.007) 〕 were risk factors associated with postoperative complications (P210 min were risk factors associated with PLSMM. PLSMM was the independent predictor of postoperative complications, which negatively affected postoperative outcomes after major hepatectomy.