Enhanced recovery after surgery programs improve short-term outcomes after liver transplantation - A systematic review and meta-analysis

Pain management in liver transplant recipients: a focus on current and future strategies

Liver transplantation is the only curative treatment option for patients with end-stage liver disease. Anesthesiologists and intensivists are fully involved in this procedure due to the perioperative care focus on hemodynamic, respiratory and metabolic support. However, quite surprisingly, postoperative pain management does not have clinical primary consideration in this class of patients due to a combination of factors including the thought that liver transplantation recipients have less pain and require lower doses of analgesics than patients who undergo other types of major abdominal surgery. Other factors contribute to make the management of postoperative pain somewhat complex in this class of patients: 1) drug pharmacokinetics and metabolism by the new liver is not predictable; 2) the multifactorial nature of liver graft recovery; and 3) the alterations of homeostasis, including circulatory, respiratory and metabolic vulnerability, in the days postoperative period. As a result, post-liver transplantation analgesia is underestimated not only from the clinical point of view but also in the literature and only a few papers deal with the management of postoperative pain in this particular class of patients. Thus, in the experts' opinion paper we aimed to report the possible strategies for managing post-LT pain with a focus on opioids alternatives and possible future developments in this particular clinical setting also in the view that improvements in perioperative care have made it possible to adopt fast track and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery-oriented protocols also in this class of patients.

Related factors associated with the prognosis of children undergoing liver transplantation under the enhanced recovery after surgery nursing concept

This study aimed to investigate factors associated with the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent pediatric liver transplantation (LT) and received enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) nursing. A cohort of 104 pediatric patients was studied at our hospital. Data on 8 indicators and 2 clinical outcomes, including length of hospital stay (LOS) and 30-day readmission rates, were collected. Linear and logistic regression analyses were employed to examine the associations of the 8 indicators with hospital-LOS and readmission risks, respectively. The predictive value of these indicators for the outcomes was determined using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, decision curve analysis, and importance ranking through the XGBoost method. A comprehensive model was developed to evaluate its predictive accuracy. Regression analyses identified donor age, donor gender, and intensive care unit (ICU)-LOS of recipients as significant predictors of hospital LOS (all P < .05), whereas no indicators were significantly associated with readmission risk. Further, ROC analysis revealed that 3 indicators provided superior prediction for 28-day hospital LOS compared to the median LOS of 18 days. ICU-LOS demonstrated the highest clinical net benefit for predicting 28-day hospital-LOS. Multivariable regression analysis confirmed the independent predictive value of donor age and ICU-LOS for the hospital-LOS (all β > 0, all P < .05). Although the comprehensive model incorporating donor age and ICU-LOS showed stable predictive capability for hospital-LOS, its performance did not significantly exceed that of the individual indicators. In pediatric LT, hospital LOS warrants greater emphasis over readmission rates. Donor age and ICU-LOS emerged as independent risk factors associated with prolonged hospital LOS.

Perioperative Considerations in Older Kidney and Liver Transplant Recipients: A Review

With the growth of the older adult population, the number of older adults waitlisted for and undergoing kidney and liver transplantation has increased. Transplantation is an important and definitive treatment for this population. We present a contemporary review of the unique preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative issues that patients older than 65 y face when they undergo kidney or liver transplantation. We focus on geriatric syndromes that are common in older patients listed for kidney or liver transplantation including frailty, sarcopenia, and cognitive dysfunction; discuss important considerations for older transplant recipients, which may impact preoperative risk stratification; and describe unique challenges in intraoperative and postoperative management for older patients. Intraoperative challenges in the older adult include using evidence-based best anesthetic practices, maintaining adequate perfusion pressure, and using minimally invasive surgical techniques. Postoperative concerns include controlling acute postoperative pain; preventing cardiovascular complications and delirium; optimizing immunosuppression; preventing perioperative kidney injury; and avoiding nephrotoxicity and rehabilitation. Future studies are needed throughout the perioperative period to identify interventions that will improve patients' preoperative physiologic status, prevent postoperative medical complications, and improve medical and patient-centered outcomes in this vulnerable patient population.

Autologous liver transplantation for unresectable hepatobiliary malignancies in enhanced recovery after surgery model

Ex vivo liver resection combined with autologous liver transplantation offers the opportunity to treat otherwise unresectable hepatobiliary malignancies and has been applied in clinic. The implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program improves the outcome of surgical procedures. This is a retrospective single-center study including 11 cases of patients with liver cancer that underwent autologous liver transplantation and received ERAS: cholangiocarcinoma of the hilar region (n = 5), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (n = 3), gallbladder cancer (n = 1), liver metastasis from colorectal cancer (n = 1), and liver metastasis from gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumor (n = 1). There were no deaths within 30 days and major complications occurred in two patients, and four patients were readmitted upon the first month after the surgery. Median hospital stay was 20 days (range 13-44) and median open diet was Day 4 (range 2-9) after surgery and median early post-operative activity was Day 5 (range 2-9) after surgery. In conclusion, autologous liver transplantation is feasible in the treatment of otherwise unresectable hepatobiliary malignancies, and our study showed favorable results with autologous liver transplantation in ERAS modality. ERAS modality provides a good option for some patients whose tumors cannot be resected in situ and offers a chance for rapid recovery.

Bridging the critically ill patient with acute to chronic liver failure to liver transplantation

Liver transplantation (LT) has emerged as an effective therapy for severe forms of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), an entity characterized by the development of multiorgan failure and high short-term mortality. The aim of critical care management of ACLF patients is to rapidly treat precipitating events and aggressively support failing organs to ensure that patients may successfully undergo LT or, less frequently, recover. Malnutrition and sarcopenia are frequently present, adversely impacting the prognosis of these patients. Management of critical care patients with ACLF is complex and requires the participation of different specialties. Once the patient is stabilized, a rapid evaluation for salvage LT should be performed because the time window for LT is often narrow. The development of sepsis and prolonged organ support may preclude LT or diminish its chances of success. The current review describes strategies to bridge severe ACLF patients to LT, highlights the minimal evaluation required for listing and the currently suggested contraindications to proceed with LT, and addresses different aspects of management during the perioperative and early posttransplant period.

Enhanced recovery after surgery for liver transplantation: a review of recent literature

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review was created to highlight important articles from the past year related to the evolving field of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in liver transplantation that are relevant to the transplant anesthesiologist.

RECENT FINDINGS

The International Liver Transplantation Society (ILTS) recently completed a landmark project, the ERAS4OLT.org project, which culminated in 80 recommendations for ERAS in liver transplantation. These recommendations encompass management for deceased donor recipients, living donor recipients and living donors. This review highlights selected articles relevant to the perioperative management of deceased donor liver transplant recipients.

SUMMARY

Though, there are now published internationally agreed upon recommendations for ERAS topics specific to liver transplantation, there is an obvious need for further investigation into this area to provide high quality evidence to support these recommendations. It is reasonable to utilize these recommendations in ERAS protocols for individual institutions; however, more evidence is needed in several areas to confirm the effects of these protocols on short-term outcomes.

Early predictors of prolonged intensive care utilization following liver transplantation

INTRODUCTION

Creatinine, bilirubin, and fibrinolysis resistance are associated with multi-organ dysfunction and likely risk factors for prolonged intensive care unit (pICU) stay following liver transplantation (LT). We hypothesize postoperative day-1 (POD-1) labs will predict pICU.

METHODS

LT recipients had clinical laboratories and viscoelastic testing with tissue plasminogen activator thrombelastography (tPA TEG) to quantify fibrinolysis resistance (LY30) on POD-1. pICU was defined as one week or longer in the ICU. Logistic regression was used to identify the relationship between POD-1 labs and pICU.

RESULTS

Of 304 patients, 50% went to the ICU, with 15% experiencing pICU. Elevated creatinine (OR 6.6, P ​< ​0.001) and low tPA TEG LY30 (OR 3.7, P ​= ​0.004) were independent predictors of pICU after controlling for other risk factors. A 9-fold increase in the rate of 90-day graft loss (19% vs 2% p ​< ​0.001) was observed patients who had these risk factors for pICU.

CONCLUSION

Elevated creatine and fibrinolysis resistance are associated with pICU and poor outcomes following LT.

Efficacy of rehabilitation initiated in the early phase after simultaneous deceased donor liver and kidney transplantation: A case report

RATIONALE

The purpose of this case report is to describe a case of successful early rehabilitation intervention for simultaneous liver and kidney transplantation (SLKT).

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 51-year-old Japanese man was diagnosed with Caroli disease 27 years ago. Hemodialysis was introduced due to end-stage renal disease 17 years ago.

DIAGNOSES

After successful SLKT, the patient was extubated on postoperative day (POD) 1, liberated from dialysis on POD 4, and discharged from the intensive care unit on POD 9.

INTERVENTIONS

Supervised rehabilitation was started on POD 2, and the patient was able to walk 100 m on POD 9. Electrical muscle stimulation therapy was started to improve muscle weakness in both legs on POD 16, and aerobic exercise using a cycle-ergometer was started on POD 24.

OUTCOMES

The 6-minute walking distance improved from 324 m on POD 14 to 501 m on POD 28. The patient could walk 4000 to 5000 steps per day at hospital discharge, and was discharged home on POD 32. There were no adverse events, including worsening hepatic or renal function, during the rehabilitation period. One month after discharge, the patient was able to perform 30 to 40 minutes of aerobic exercise every day, and returned to work 5 months after discharge.

LESSONS

This case shows that early rehabilitation intervention immediately after SLKT safely and rapidly improved physical performance without adverse events. The results in the present case suggest that regular physical assessment and appropriate interventions with a variety of exercise modalities can contribute to improved physical performance in SLKT patients.

Comprehensive quality initiative leads to immediate postoperative extubation following liver transplant

BACKGROUND

Immediate postoperative extubation (IPE) can reduce perioperative complications and length of stay (LOS), however it is performed variably after liver transplant across institutions and has historically excluded high-risk recipients from consideration. In late 2012, we planned and implemented a single academic institution structured quality improvement (QI) initiative to standardize perioperative care of liver transplant recipients without exceptions. We hypothesized that such an approach would lead to a sustained increase in IPE after primary (PAC) and delayed abdominal closure (DAC).

METHODS

We retrospectively studied 591 patients from 2013 to 2018 who underwent liver transplant after initiative implementation. We evaluated trends in incidence of IPE versus delayed extubation (DE), and reintubation, LOS, and mortality.

RESULTS

Overall, 476/591 (80.5%) recipients underwent PAC (278 IPE, 198 DE) and 115/591 (19.5%) experienced DAC (39 IPE, 76 DE). When comparing data from 2013 to data from 2018, the incidence of IPE increased from 9/67 (13.4%) to 78/90 (86.7%) after PAC and from 1/12 (8.3%) to 16/23 (69.6%) after DAC. For the same years, the incidence of IPE after PAC for recipients with MELD scores ≥30 increased from 0/19 (0%) to 12/17 (70.6%), for recipients who underwent simultaneous liver-kidney transplant increased from 1/8 (12.5%) to 4/5 (80.0%), and for recipients who received massive transfusion (>10 units of packed red blood cells) increased from 0/17 (0%) to 10/13 (76.9%). Reintubation for respiratory considerations <48 h after IPE occurred in 3/278 (1.1%) after PAC and 1/39 (2.6%) after DAC. IPE was associated with decreased intensive care unit (HR of discharge: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.58, 2.33; P < 0.001) and hospital LOS (HR of discharge: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.20, 1.76; P < 0.001) but demonstrated no association with mortality.

CONCLUSION

A structured QI initiative led to sustained high rates of IPE and reduced LOS in all liver transplant recipients, including those classified as high risk.

Enhanced recovery for liver transplantation: recommendations from the 2022 International Liver Transplantation Society consensus conference

There is much controversy regarding enhanced recovery for recipients of liver transplants from deceased and living donors. The objectives of this Review were to summarise current knowledge on individual enhanced recovery elements on short-term outcomes, identify key components for comprehensive pathways, and create internationally accepted guidelines on enhanced recovery for liver-transplant recipients. The ERAS4OLT.org collaborative partnered by the International Liver Transplantation Society performed systematic literature reviews on the effect of 32 relevant enhanced perioperative recovery elements on short-term outcomes, and global specialists prepared expert statements on deceased and living donor liver transplantation. The Grading Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations approach was used for rating of quality of evidence and grading of recommendations. A virtual international consensus conference was held in January, 2022, in which results were presented, voted on by the audience, and discussed by an independent international jury of eight members, applying the Danish model of consensus. 273 liver transplantation specialists from 30 countries prepared expert statements on elements of enhanced recovery for liver transplantation based on the systematic literature reviews. The consensus conference yielded 80 final recommendations, covering aspects of enhanced recovery for preoperative assessment and optimisation, intraoperative surgical and anaesthetic conduct, and postoperative management for the recipients of liver transplants from both deceased and living donors, and for the living donor. The recommendations represent a comprehensive overview of the relevant elements and areas of enhanced recovery for liver transplantation. These internationally established guidelines could direct the development of enhanced recovery programmes worldwide, allowing adjustments according to local resources and practices.

Optimal management of perioperative analgesia regarding immediate and short-term outcomes after liver transplantation - A systematic review, meta-analysis and expert panel recommendations

BACKGROUND

Adequate pain control is essential for patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT). Multiple analgesic strategies have been implemented during the perioperative period. There is no consensus on the optimal perioperative analgesia management.

OBJECTIVES

To provide recommendations, on the optimal perioperative analgesia management for LT.

DATA SOURCES

Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Central.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines and recommendations using GRADE. Studies describing outcomes, morbidity, mortality, pain scores, intensive care unit and hospital length of stay in patients that received different pain management techniques during and after LT were included (CRD42021243282).

RESULTS

One thousand nine hundred ten articles were screened, but only two randomized controlled trials, one prospective and six retrospective studies were included. The opioid-avoidance protocols included, thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA), Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block, as well as other non-opioid analgesics, resulted in improved short-term outcomes. Mortality was reduced in this group versus control cohorts (OR = 0.51; CI 0.14, 1.83; P = 0.350), Time to extubation, and intensive care unit LOS were shorter; pain scores after surgery were lower in opioid-avoidance group (percentage decrease, 35%, 12%, and 55%, respectively). However, hospital LOS was longer (percentage increase 8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Opioid-avoidance analgesia management for LT results in improved short-term outcomes. (Quality of Evidence; Moderate to low | Grade of Recommendation; Weak). Medications such as acetaminophen(paracetamol), gabapentin, ketamine, tramadol and local anesthesia may be used instead of, or as adjuncts to opioids for postoperative analgesia. Overall evidence remains weak and more robust studies are required.

The role of early extubation on short-term outcomes after liver transplantation - A systematic review, meta-analysis and expert recommendations

BACKGROUND

Early extubation in liver transplantation (LT) and its potential benefits such as reduction in pulmonary complications and enhanced postoperative recovery have been described. The extent of the effect of early extubation on short-term outcomes after LT across the published literature is to the best of our knowledge unknown.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine whether early extubation improves immediate and short-term outcomes after LT and to provide expert recommendations.

DATA SOURCES

Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Central.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis on short-term outcomes after early extubation in LT was performed (CRD42021241402), following PRISMA guidelines and quality of evidence (QOE) and recommendations grading using the GRADE approach, derived from an international experts panel. Endpoints were reintubation rates, pulmonary and other complications/organ dysfunction, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay (LOS).

RESULTS

Of 831 screened articles, 20 observational studies with a total of 3573 patients addressing early extubation protocols were included, of which 12 studies compared results after early versus deferred extubation. Reintubation and pulmonary complication rates were lower in the early versus deferred extubation groups (OR 0.29, CI 0.22-0.39; OR 0.17, CI 0.09-0.33, respectively). ICU and hospital LOS were shorter in eight out of eight and seven out of eight comparative studies, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Early extubation after LT is associated with improved short-term outcomes after LT and should be performed in the majority of patients (QOE; Moderate to low | Grade of Recommendation; Strong). Randomized controlled trials using standardized definitions of early extubation and short-term outcomes are needed to demonstrate causality, validate and allow comparability of the results.

New ERAS in liver transplantation - Past, present, and next steps

There are parallels between the history of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) and liver transplantation. Both have been established and advanced by innovative individuals, often going against perceived wisdom and convention. Liver transplantation has traditionally been considered too complex for ERAS pathways, despite a small number of trials showing them to be both safe and of benefit. To date, there are very few randomized controlled trials and cohort studies publishing outcomes on liver transplant patients enrolled in comprehensive ERAS pathways. To progress our field, the 2022 International Liver Transplantation Society's Consensus Conference has created expert panels to analyze the evidence in 32 domains of the liver transplantation pathway using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach to generate expert recommendations. These recommendations will be voted on by the international community to gain consensus using the Danish model, and create the ERAS4OLT.org Enhanced Recovery after Liver Transplantation Pathway.

Are short-term complications associated with poor allograft and patient survival after liver transplantation? A systematic review of the literature and expert panel recommendations

BACKGROUND

Maximizing patient and allograft survival after liver transplant (LT) is important from both a patient care and organ utilization perspective. Although individual studies have addressed the effects of short-term post-LT complications on a limited scale, there has not been a systematic review of the literature formally assessing the potential effects of early complications on long-term outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

To identify whether short-term complications after LT affect allograft and overall survival, to identify short-term complications of particular clinical interest and significance, and to provide recommendations to improve post-LT graft and patient survival.

DATA SOURCES

Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Central.

METHODS

A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines and recommendations using the GRADE approach derived from an international expert panel.

RESULTS

The literature review and analysis provided show that short-term complications have a large impact on allograft and patient survival after LT. The complications with the strongest effect on survival are acute kidney injury (AKI), biliary complications, and early allograft dysfunction (EAD).

CONCLUSION

This panel recommends taking measures to reduce the risk and incidence of short-term complications post-LT. Clinicians should pay particular attention to preventing or ameliorating AKI, biliary complications, and EAD (Quality of evidence; Moderate | Grade of Recommendation; Strong).

Is there value in volume? An assessment of liver transplant practices in the United States since the inception of MELD

BACKGROUND

Liver transplantation has increased in volume and provides substantial survival benefit. However, there remains a need for value-based assessment of this costly procedure.

METHODS

Model for end stage liver disease era adult recipients were identified using United Network for Organ Sharing Standard Transplant Analysis file data (n = 75,988) and compared across time periods (period A: February 2002 to January 2007; B: February 2007 to January 2013; C: February 2013 to January 2019). Liver centers were divided into volume tertiles for each period (small, medium, large). Value for the index transplant episode was defined as percentage graft survival ≥1 year divided by mean posttransplant duration of stay.

RESULTS

All centers increased value over time due to ubiquitous improvement in 1-year graft survival. However, large centers demonstrated the most significant value change (large +17% vs small +7.0%, P < .001) due to a -8.5% reduction in large centers duration of stay from period A to C, while small centers duration of stay remained unchanged (-0.1%). Large centers delivered higher value despite more complex care: older recipients (54.8 ± 10.3 vs 53.0 ± 11.4 years P < .001), fewer model for end stage liver disease exceptions (34.0% vs 38.2%, P < .001), higher rates of candidate portal vein thrombosis (10.1% vs 8.5%, P < .001) and prior abdominal surgery (43.4% vs 37.4%, P < .001), and more marginal donor utilization (donor risk index 1.45 ± 0.38 vs 1.36 ± 0.33, P < .001). Mahalanobis metric matching demonstrated that compared with small centers, large centers progressively shortened recipient duration of stay per transplant in each period (A: -0.36 days, P = .437; B: -2.14 days, P < .001; C: -2.49 days, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

There is value in liver transplant volume. Adoption of value-based practices from large centers may allow optimization of health care delivery for this costly procedure.

Principles of enhanced recovery in gastrointestinal surgery

BACKGROUND

To reduce the impact of surgery-related stress, enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways have been developed since over 15 years with subsequent improved postoperative outcome. This multimodal and evidence-based perioperative approach has spread to all fields of gastrointestinal surgery, from esophagus, stomach, duodenum and pancreas, liver, small intestine and colon, and rectum, as well as for other specialties like vascular and cardia surgeries or neurosurgery, among others.

PURPOSE

The aim of this state-of-the-art article is to assess current state of evidence on perioperative management specifically in gastrointestinal surgery, with a focus on surgery-related aspects, outcome benefit, and future directions.

CONCLUSION

The surgical team must promote continuous improvement of the patient's ERAS compliance to ensure optimal perioperative care. Everyday clinical practice should be performed according to latest evidence-based medicine and challenging surgical dogma. Moreover, the surgeon must lead and support a multidisciplinary and collaborative teamwork tailored to patient's need especially with anesthetists and nursing staff.

The Edge of Unknown: Postoperative Critical Care in Liver Transplantation

Perioperative care of patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) is very complex. Metabolic derangements, hypothermia, coagulopathy and thromboses, severe infections, and graft dysfunction can affect outcomes. In this manuscript, we discuss several perioperative problems that can be encountered in LT recipients. The authors present the most up-to-date information regarding predicting and treating hemodynamic instability, coagulation monitoring and management, postoperative ventilation strategies and early extubation, management of infections, and ESLD-related pulmonary complications. In addition, early post-transplant allograft dysfunction will be discussed.

Abdominal Organ Transplantation: Noteworthy Literature in 2021

This review highlights noteworthy literature pertinent to anesthesiologists and critical care physicians caring for patients undergoing abdominal organ transplantation. In 2021, we identified noteworthy papers from over 1,200 peer-reviewed publications on pancreatic transplantation, over 1,400 on intestinal transplantation, and over 9,000 on kidney transplantation. The liver transplantation section focuses on clinical trials and systematic reviews and meta-analyses published in 2021 and features 20 selected papers. COVID-19 and abdominal organ transplantation are featured in an independent section.

Enhanced Recovery Care vs. Traditional Care in Laparoscopic Hepatectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Enhanced recovery care could alleviate surgical stress and accelerate the recovery rates of patients. Previous studies showed the benefits of enhanced recovery after surgery program in liver surgery, but the exact role in laparoscopic hepatectomy is still unclear.

Aim

We aimed to perform a meta-analysis to evaluate the safety and efficacy of enhanced recovery after a surgery program in laparoscopic hepatectomy.

Methods

The relative studies from a specific search of PUBMED, EMBASE, OVID, and Cochrane database from June 2008 to February 2022 were selected and included in this meta-analysis. The primary outcomes included length of hospital stay, duration to functional recovery, and overall postoperative complication rate. The secondary outcomes included operative time, intraoperative blood loss, cost of hospitalization, readmission rate, Grade I complication rate, and Grade II–V complication rate.

Results

A total of six studies with 643 patients [enhanced recovery care (n = 274) vs. traditional care (n = 369)] were eligible for analysis. These comprised three randomized controlled trials and three retrospective studies. Enhanced recovery care group was associated with decreased hospital stay [standard mean difference (SMD) = −0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.83~−0.28, p < 0.0001], shorter duration to functional recovery (SMD = −1.14, 95% CI = −1.92~−0.37, p = 0.004), and lower cost of hospitalization Mean Difference (MD) = −1,539.62, 95% CI = −1992.85~−1086.39, p < 0.00001). Moreover, a lower overall postoperative complication rate was observed in enhanced recovery care group [Risk ratio (RR) = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.51~0.80, p < 0.0001] as well as lower Grade II–V complication rate (RR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.38~0.80, p = 0.002), while there was no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss (MD = −65.75, 95% CI = −158.47~26.97, p = 0.16), operative time (MD = −5.44, 95% CI = −43.46~32.58, p = 0.78), intraoperative blood transfusion rate [Odds ratio (OR) = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.41~1.22, p = 0.22], and Grade I complication rate (RR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.53~1.03, p = 0.07).

Conclusion

Enhanced recovery care in laparoscopic hepatectomy should be recommended, because it is not only safe and effective, but also can accelerate the postoperative recovery and lighten the financial burden of patients.