[Hepatic resection for hepatocarcinoma in the cirrhotic patient]

Between January 1993 and June 1999, 54 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) complicating cirrhosis underwent hepatic resection. Forty-five (83%) minor hepatic resections were performed. Four (7%) peroperative deaths (within 30 days following surgery) were recorded. During follow-up it was noted that hepatocellular carcinoma recurred in 24 patients (44%) and local recurrence was the most frequent event. Mean disease free interval was 19 months after surgery. By multivariate analysis only vascular invasion proved to be statistically significant to HCC recurrence and survival. The recurrence rate of HCC in patients undergoing liver resection is high and long-term survival is long. An accurate analysis of risk factors for HCC recurrence after liver resection is of the utmost importance and further treatment alternative to and/or in association with surgery requires consideration.