This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS
Outcome of patients with huge hepatocellular carcinoma after primary resection and treatment of recurrent lesions. BJS 2007; 94: 320-326.
Published: 4th January 2007
Authors: S. G. Lee, S. Hwang, J. P. Jung, Y. J. Lee, K. H. Kim, C. S. Ahn et al.
Background
Tumour recurrence is common after hepatic resection of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) greater than 10 cm in diameter. This study evaluated the outcome of patients with huge HCC after primary resection and treatment of recurrent lesions.
Method
A retrospective review was undertaken of clinical data for 100 patients with huge HCC who underwent liver resection.
Results
Mean(s.d.) tumour diameter was 13·3(3·0) cm; 80 per cent were single lesions. Systematic and non‐systematic resections were performed in 80 and 20 per cent of patients respectively, with R0 resection achieved in 86 per cent. Overall 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year disease‐free survival rates were 43, 26 and 20 per cent respectively. Risk factors for HCC recurrence were resection margin less than 1 cm and macrovascular invasion. Extensive tumour necrosis of 90 per cent or more after preoperative transarterial chemoembolization was not a prognostic factor. Some 85 per cent of patients with recurrence received various treatments, and these patients had a longer post‐recurrence survival than those who were not treated. Overall 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year survival rates were 66, 44 and 31 per cent respectively.
Conclusion
In patients with huge HCC, hepatic resection combined with active treatment for recurrence resulted in longer‐term survival. Frequent protocol‐based follow‐up appears to be beneficial for the early detection and timely treatment of recurrence. Copyright © 2006 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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