Hepatic Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Hepatic resection has long been considered the preferred treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) when feasible, but its role, as well as the outcomes is evolving rapidly. This article explores the impact of the changing demographics of HCC, reviews current criteria for resection, considers the roles of liver transplantation and nonsurgical locoregional therapies vis-a-vis resection, highlights the potential of new systemic therapies (particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors) to improve outcomes, details the common complications associated with resection, and discusses recurrence of HCC after resection and its management.

Keywords: Hepatic resection; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Milan criteria.