Hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis. Results of surgical treatment in a European series

Abstract

Objective: The authors analyze the outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cirrhosis who underwent liver resections.

Background: Liver resection is the best option for HCC arising from hepatic cirrhosis. The experience of Western centers with these patients is shorter than the Asian series.

Methods: Forty-eight consecutive patients with cirrhosis and HCC who underwent liver resections were studied after a similar diagnostic and therapeutic process. Survival and cumulative recurrence were calculated according to pathologic findings.

Results: Factors influencing survival at 3 years were as follows: type of resection, absence of vascular invasion, size of the tumor, absence of satellite nodules, and the number of nodules. Factors influencing the rate of recurrence at 3 years were the presence of vascular invasion and the presence of satellite nodules. Patients with favorable prognostic factors have a good survival rate with an acceptable recurrence rate.

Conclusions: Identification of prognostic factors may help in the selection of the appropriate treatment for these patients with HCC and cirrhosis.