Does coronary artery disease hinder recovery from partial liver removal?

This study looked at if having coronary artery disease hinders recovery following partial liver removal (hepatectomy). 

Coronary artery disease refers to a condition caused by the narrowing of blood vessels that supply your heart with blood, oxygen and nutrients. Coronary artery disease can be caused by cholesterol – a substance found in fatty foods. Cholesterol builds up in arteries, narrowing them and decreasing blood flow to your heart. The decreased blood flow can cause symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath. However, a complete blockage can result in a heart attack.

Patients with coronary artery disease are often advised not to undergo partial liver removal (hepatectomy) despite a lack of data to support this practice. Patients may have to undergo hepatectomy during cancer, gallstones, and cyst treatment. This study therefore evaluated the impact of coronary artery disease on recovery and outcome of patients undergoing hepatectomy. 

This study was conducted on 1,206 patients undergoing hepatectomy. 11% of patients had coronary artery disease and even though this group has an increased frequency of mortality and morbidity (patient sickness) due to heart complications, the study found that having a hepatectomy did not increase this risk. The study also found that there were no differences in mortality or morbidity rates among coronary artery disease patients regardless of disease severity.

This study concludes that patients with coronary artery disease can safely undergo hepatectomy. 

This study was carried out on patients who were only considered suitable for hepatectomy, hence there may have been patients with severe coronary artery disease that were not included in this study. Therefore further studies need to be carried out in order to clarify the safety of hepatectomy among coronary artery disease patients. 

If you or someone you know have coronary artery disease and are considering hepatectomy surgery, talk to a doctor about the risks associated with the treatment and whether it is safe for you.