Factors affecting survival and long-term outcome in the cirrhotic patient undergoing hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma

Aims Prognostic analysis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the cirrhotic patient undergoing hepatic resection is necessary in order to determine the clinical effect of hepatectomy on prognosis. Patients and methods: Univariate and multivariate retrospective analyses were performed in 51 cirrhotic patients (38 men, 13 women; mean age 65 years, range 43–81 years) with supervening HCC undergoing hepatic resection between January 1993 and December 1997.Results Segmental liver resection was performed in 39 patients (76%) with non-anatomical (wedge) resections in the remainder of cases. The post-operative mortality rate was 8%. The tumours recurred in 23 patients (45%), with 12 patients (52% of recurrences) recurring within 1 year of surgery and 22 patients (96% of recurrences) within 3 years. Recurrent disease was most frequently intrahepatic (22 patients). Significant risk factors for recurrence were micro/macro vascular invasion, and symptoms. Conclusions: The recurrence rate of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis undergoing surgical resection alone is high and actuarial survival at 4 years is low. Other approaches to the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis require consideration.