Laparoscopic Left Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence Following Liver Transplantation

Abstract

Background: Despite the successful oncological results of liver transplantation, patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can develop tumor recurrence. When technically feasible, liver resection represents the preferred treatment for recurrent HCC, even in the setting of transplanted patients. Recent progresses in minimally invasive liver resections have pushed the surgical community to attempt more challenging cases. We report a full laparoscopic left hepatectomy for HCC recurrence on transplanted liver.

Methods: A routine follow-up computed tomography (CT) scan of a 53-year-old male who previously underwent an orthotopic liver transplantation for alcoholic-related liver disease showed a 3 cm HCC in segment 4 in close relationship with the peripheral portion of the left portal pedicle. A full laparoscopic left hepatectomy was performed using an extrahepatic intraglissonean approach.

Results: Operative time was 332 min and blood loss was 100 mL. The patient had an uneventful postoperative recovery and was discharged home after 3 days.

Conclusions: Laparoscopic liver resection on transplanted patients is feasible. Challenging clinical scenarios should only be attempted in referral centers and after an appropriate learning curve.^1-8.