Risk factors for intrahepatic recurrence after hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma

Area of Science:

• Hepatobiliary Surgery
• Surgical Oncology
• Hepatocellular Carcinoma Research

Background:

• Long-term survival after hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains suboptimal due to high rates of intrahepatic recurrence.
• Identifying predictive factors for recurrence is essential for improving outcomes in HCC patients undergoing liver resection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the risk factors associated with intrahepatic recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma following liver resection.
• To identify patient and tumor characteristics that predict recurrence in the liver remnant.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of a prospective database.
• Inclusion of 76 consecutive patients who underwent successful hepatectomy for HCC.

Main Results:

• Intrahepatic recurrence was observed in 22 patients.
• Age, sex, race, number of segments resected, and operating time were not significant risk factors.
• Multivariate analysis identified elevated serum aspartate transaminase (AST) levels, multiple HCC nodules, and the presence of tumor thrombi as significant risk factors for recurrence.

Conclusions:

• Patients with identified risk factors (elevated AST, multiple nodules, tumor thrombi) require close surveillance for early recurrence detection.
• Treatment options for recurrent HCC include re-resection, chemoembolization, or radiofrequency ablation.