Anaesthesia evaluation and perioperative strategies in liver disease patients with cardiohepatic syndrome.

Cardiohepatic syndrome (CHS) presents a significant challenge in perioperative management due to the complex interaction between liver and heart dysfunction. CHS, analogous to cardiorenal syndrome, encompasses various conditions where hepatic and cardiovascular pathologies exacerbate one another. Patients with chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, or heart failure often exhibit increased perioperative morbidity and mortality, necessitating tailored anesthetic strategies. A comprehensive understanding of CHS pathophysiology is crucial, as it informs risk assessment and guides perioperative management. Risk stratification tools such as the Child-Pugh and MELD scores are commonly used, but they have limitations in fully capturing perioperative risks. The updated STS 2024 model includes liver-specific parameters, improving risk prediction in cardiac surgeries. Additionally, the VOCAL-Penn score addresses gaps in traditional risk models, providing a more accurate assessment for patients with advanced liver disease. Perioperative management focuses on minimizing hemodynamic stress and avoiding drugs metabolized by the liver. Agents like Remifentanil, Atracurium, and Esmolol are preferred for their minimal hepatic metabolism. Vasopressors such as terlipressin and vasopressin, which target the splanchnic circulation, improve hemodynamics in these patients. Within the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) framework, optimizing nutrition and fluid management is essential for reducing perioperative complications. Effective management of patients with CHS requires a multidisciplinary approach that integrates comprehensive risk assessment and individualized anesthetic strategies. This approach improves outcomes by reducing perioperative complications and mortality in this high-risk population.