Survival and recurrence after hepatic resection in cirrhotic patients

ABSTRACT

Although hepatic resection is one of the most effective treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC], the long term results of hepatic resection of this malignancy are far from satisfactory. The potential benefits of hepatectomy for patients with HCC have not been fully delineated. This study aimed to identify surgical outcomes of 18 consecutive cirrhotic patients with HCC undergoing hepatic resection. 18 patients with cirrhotic liver underwent hepatic resection between March 2002 and January 2007. We had 14 men and 4 women. The mean age was 55 years with a range between 42 and 67 years. The 30-day [operative] mortality rate was one case [5.5%] and there was one additional late death [5.5%]. Ten patients [62.5%] had recurrence after curative resection. Major hepatectomy was performed in 14 patients [77%] and the other 4 [22%] had minor hepatectomy In our study, the overall survival of patients after 3 years was 43.75% while the disease-free survival was 37.5%. The survival rate after operation remains unsatisfactory mainly because of the high recurrence rate. The improved care of cirrhotic patients, early detection and effective treatment of recurrent HCC may play an important role in achieving better prognosis and survival after operation