A benign hepatocellular adenoma treated by extended right lobectomy

A 19-year-old woman with a large benign hepatocellular adenoma is presented. The initial symptom was continuous anaemia demanding transfusions twice a month. Coeliac angiography revealed the hepatic tumour, which was thought to be malignant. Angiography produced permanent paraplegia as a complication. The tumour was radically removed by an extended right lobectomy. The weight of the operation specimen was 2200 g. Histologically the differential diagnosis layed between benign hepatocellular adenoma and hepatocellular carcinoma. Postoperative stricture of the common duct developed as a complication of T-tube and was successfully treated at reoperation. Liver function became totally restored after the operation and after 5 years' follow-up there has been no tumour recurrence. The very rare benign hepatocellular adenomas are discussed.