Patients' follow-up was 3 months and was initiated the day before surgery (Di). Given that primary hypothesis was a 50% reduction of transaminases (AST, ALT) level on postoperative day 1 in the preconditioning group, blood samples were collected on all patients on Di and POD1 for transaminases measurement. All of these samples were collected in a unique biochemistry laboratory (Hospital Cochin) to avoid inter laboratory variations. Besides these two samples, each centres conducted a regular biological follow-up of patients on a previously established schedule which was common to all centres. Biological assessment was performed on blood samples collected on Di and POD 1, 3, 5, 7, 14 and 28. Blood samples were tested for liver biochemistry (AST, ALT, PAL, GGT, BT and BC), prothrombin time, factor V, blood cells count (red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets) and albumine. Clinical examination was performed every day by the senior surgeon in charge of the patients until they were discharge from hospital, as well as on POD 15, POD 30 (5 days) and POD 90 (10 days). All impaired outcomes were noted in the data sheets. Surgical complications collected were: Intra abdominal bleeding, biliary fistula, vascular complication, intra abdominal abscess, wound infection and reintervention. Medical complication collected were: Infection (urinary tract, lung, catheter) liver dysfunction, liver failure, ascitis, pleural fluid effusion necessitating a drainage or not. Postoperative morbidity and mortality were defined as any impaired surgical or medical outcome or death occurring within POD 90, respectively. When hospital readmission was required patients where hospitalised in the surgical department. Finally histological analysis of the liver samples collected at surgery was reviewed by a single pathologist who was unaware of any clinical data.