Criteria for Early Drain Removal after Hepatectomy

Identifying predictors of bile leakage after hepatectomy, researchers established criteria for safe early drain removal. Analyzing 351 patients, they found a drainage fluid direct bilirubin level cutoff of 0.16 mg/dl and volume cutoff of 125 ml on postoperative day 2. Patients meeting both criteria had no leakage. These findings offer a novel approach for timely drain removal, potentially reducing complications and improving postoperative management.