Major complications and mortality after resection of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Background: Evaluation of morbidity and mortality after hepatic resection often lacks stratification by extent of resection or diagnosis. Although a liver resection for different indications may have technical similarities, postoperative outcomes differ. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the risk of major complications and mortality after resection of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Methods: Meta-analysis was performed to assess postoperative mortality (in-hospital, 30-, and 90-day) and major complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥III). Results: A total of 32 studies that reported on 19,503 patients were included. Pooled in-hospital, 30-day, and 90-day mortality were 5.9% (95% confidence interval 4.1–8.4); 4.6% (95% confidence interval 4.0–5.2); and 6.1% (95% confidence interval 5.0–7.3), respectively. Pooled proportion of major complications was 22.2% (95% confidence interval 17.7–27.5) for all resections. The pooled 90-day mortality was 3.1% (95% confidence interval 1.8–5.2) for a minor resection, 7.4% (95% confidence interval 5.9–9.3) for all major resections, and 11.4% (95% confidence interval 6.9–18.7) for extended resections (P = .001). Major complications were 38.8% (95% confidence interval 29.5–49) after a major hepatectomy compared to 11.3% (95% confidence interval 5.0–24.0) after a minor hepatectomy (P = .001). Asian studies had a pooled 90-day mortality of 4.4% (95% confidence interval 3.3–5.9) compared to 6.8% (95% confidence interval 5.6–8.2) for Western studies (P = .02). Cohorts with patients included before 2000 had a pooled 90-day mortality of 5.9% (95% confidence interval 4.8–7.3) compared to 6.8% (95% confidence interval 5.1–9.1) after 2000 (P = .44). Conclusion: When informing patients or comparing outcomes across hospitals, postoperative mortality rates after liver resection should be reported for 90-days with consideration of the diagnosis and the extent of liver resection.