Analysis of clinicopathological features and surgical safety of hepatocellular carcinoma in aged patients / 中华肝胆外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the clinicopathological features and safety of surgical treatment in aged patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods The clinical data of 316 patients with HCC undergoing hepatectomy in our hospital from December 2005 to December 2008 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into an aged group (≥60 years,n= 72) and a non-aged group (＜60 years, n=244). The clinicopathological data and surgical outcomes were compared between the 2 groups. Results The aged group presented less hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive rates and vascular invasion and a lower alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) value when compared with the non-aged group (P＜0.05). No significant differences were found in the extent of hepatectomy, operative duration, intraoperative blood loss, blood transfusion requirements, incidence of postoperative complication and mortality rate between the 2 groups (P＞0.05). Conclusion The aged patients with HCC were characterized by less HBsAg positive rate, vascular invasion and lower alphafetoprotein (AFP) value. Surgical resection for HCC in aged patients is safe. The attitude toward surgical treatment of aged patients with HCC should be active.