Methods
Between January 2000 and December 2008, a total of 3108 patients were retrospectively reviewed. The diagnosis of liver cirrhosis
was made mainly by abdominal ultrasonography. The Child’s classification was used to assess the severity of liver cirrhosis.
Results
There were 60 men and 2 women enrolled. Preoperatively, 42, 17, and 3 patients were classified as Child’s class A, B, and
C, respectively. Class B patients had statistically significantly prolonged stay in the intensive care unit and hospital stay
compared to class A patients. Patients with class B or C cirrhosis had more complications than those with class A cirrhosis
(80% vs. 19.1%, P < .001). This included significantly increased rates of pulmonary complications, acute renal failure, and sepsis. The mortality
rate was also significantly higher for patients with class B/C cirrhosis than for those with class A cirrhosis (30% vs. 4.8%,
P = .011). By logistic regression model, preoperative platelet count, intraoperative blood transfusion ≥2 units, and Child’s
class were found to be significant predictive factors for morbidities. Likewise, Child’s class, albumin level, intraoperative
blood transfusion ≥2 units, intraoperative blood loss >500 ml, and prothrombin time were significant predictive factors for
mortality.
Conclusions
Child’s class, along with its several components, and intraoperative blood transfusion of ≥2 units are predictive factors
for morbidity and mortality.