ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the risk factors for posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) of hepatobiliary malignancies in order to provide evidence-based medical basis for preventing and reducing PHLF.MethodsThe case-control studies on the risk factors of PHLF for hepatobiliary malignancy were searched in PubMed, CNKI, etc. domestic and foreign databases from January 2011 to March 2020. The quality evaluation of the literatures was performed by using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3.ResultsA total of 43 studies were included, involving 13 075 patients after hepatectomy, of which 1 943 (14.86%) had PHLF. Meta-analysis results showed that the male, liver cirrhosis, portal hypertension, hepatectomy range ≥3 segments, vascular tumor thrombus, intraoperative blood transfusion, tumor number ≥2, Child-Pugh grade ≥B, less platelet count, lower albumin, higher total bilirubin, higer indocyanine green retention rate at 15 minutes, longer hepatic hilar occlusion time, longer operation time, more intraoperative blood loss, bigger maximum tumor diameter, smaller residual liver volume, and higer MELD score were the risk factors for the occurrence of PHLF (P<0.05).ConclusionsAccording to the risk factors of PHLF, the basic condition, liver function, and residual liver volume should be fully evaluated before operation. The operation should be accurate anatomy, adequate hemostasis, timely treatment of intraoperative complications. After operation, the fluid infusion, anti-infection, correction of coagulation dysfunction, and protection of liver function should be strengthened. So incidence of PHLF might be reduced minimally.