Major hepatic resections in children.

An experience with 31 hepatic resections in children has demonstrated that mortality and morbidity are primarily determined by percentage of normally functioning liver retained as well as by the experitse of both intraoperative and postoperative care. Criteria for resectability in neoplasia and trauma can readily be established. Early peripheral hypovolemia due to splanchnic pooling was observed frequently, while drains appeared to favor significantly the development of intra-abdominal spesis. Bleeding diatheses did not occur. An inability of the patient to maintain blood glucose and serum albumin were the sole metabolic derangements necessitating replacement therapy. The over-all mortality rate was 13%, with survival of two of four children subjected to 90% resections.