Predicting and optimising risks for non-hepatic surgery in patients with cirrhosis: insights from the #FGDebate

Abstract

PROGNOSTIC SCORES The debate kickedoff with a case presentation, followed by discussion on prognostic scores for estimating surgical risks. Among online participants, 53.2% chose the ChildTurcottePugh (CTP) or Model for Endstage Liver Disease (MELD) scores for risk prediction. Other scores chosen included the VOCALPenn Score (26.2%), Mayo Surgical Score (16.3%) and Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient (HVPG) (4.3%). Most respondents chose CTP or MELD as these were familiar and triedandtested. However, neither CTP or MELD truly assesses the presence or severity of portal hypertension—the sequelae of liver disease most relevant in determining operative risks. The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification was also proposed, given its long history in surgical risk stratification. The VOCALPenn and Mayo Surgical scores are designed for surgical risk assessment in cirrhosis. VOCALPenn is the only score to account for surgical factors, whereas the Mayo Surgical score incorporated the ASA classification. These scores were developed using retrospective data, and portal hypertension assessment may be more direct in predicting postoperative decompensation. Preoperative HVPG accurately assesses portal hypertension and has been studied for adverse outcome prediction. However, given the invasive and impractical nature of HVPG, alternatives such as liver/spleen stiffness and endoscopic ultrasoundguided portal pressure assessment were discussed. Participants agreed that these modalities have not been tested in preoperative settings and require validation. SERVICE PROVISION Discussions progressed to service provision and which clinicians should manage patients with cirrhosis undergoing nonhepatic surgery. Considering the potential role of HVPG, tertiary centres with interventional radiology expertise are required. The importance of multidisciplinary care was highlighted, as good communication between hepatologists, anaesthesiologists and surgeons would be critical. The role of allied health colleagues (ie, physiotherapists and dietitians) to provide personalised preoperative, perioperative and postoperative care was also raised.