Preoperative 3D Magnetic Resonance Elastography for Predicting Surgical Risk in Patients Undergoing Hepatectomy

A Prospective Study on Preoperative Regional Liver Function Assessment Using Three-Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Elastography for Predicting Surgical Risk and Postoperative Liver Failure in Patients Undergoing Hepatectomy for Primary or Metastatic Liver Cancer

How to accurately and safely evaluate regional liver function before hepatectomy remains an important unsolved problem in the surgical management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We plan to develop a non-invasive, functional 3D-MRE-based method for preoperative regional hepatic functional reserve assessment, and to evaluate its ability to predict surgical risk and postoperative liver failure in patients with HCC undergoing hepatectomy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18-80 years
• Pathologically or radiologically confirmed diagnosis of one of the following: hepatocellular carcinoma, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, or liver metastasis (e.g., from colorectal cancer)
• Scheduled to undergo curative hepatectomy
• Child-Pugh class A or B liver function
• Able to tolerate MRI examination
• Provision of signed and dated informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Contraindication to MRI (e.g., non-MRI-compatible implants, severe claustrophobia)
• Child-Pugh class C liver function
• Prior history of liver resection or liver transplantation
• Presence of extrahepatic metastasis
• Emergency surgery (e.g., due to tumor rupture)
• Severe cardiopulmonary or renal dysfunction precluding surgery
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Unwillingness or inability to comply with study procedures or follow-up