Focal nodular hyperplasia: what are the indications for resection?

Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is a benign condition of the liver that is often discovered incidentally on radiological investigation. FNH has no malignant potential, is rarely symptomatic and surgical intervention is almost never required. However, eight patients with a diagnosis of FNH associated with upper abdominal pain or rapid growth were referred for surgery. All patients had been extensively investigated for other causes of pain and had been observed for between 1 and 7 years prior to surgical referral. The FNH lesions were between 1 cm and 8 cm in diameter. One FNH lesion 7.5 cm in diameter lay in segment VII/VIII and was related to the right and middle hepatic veins. All patients were resected with immediate and lasting control of their symptoms. Based on this experience FNH should be managed in a manner similar to haemangiomas with most lesions being safe to observe. However, it should be recognized that symptomatic FNH does occur, as well as FNH behaving in an unusual fashion such as rapid growth. Both of these findings are indications for resection.