[Role of hepatic resection in multiple combination therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma]

Recently, resectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HC-C) has been increasing. However, it has not been established whether or not hepatectomy is beneficial in achieving long survival in HCC patients. The present study was aimed at evaluating whether hepatic resection could lead to long survival by retrospectively analyzing cumulative survival rate. One hundred twenty-three cases underwent hepatic resection for HCC between 1977 and 1985. Their post-operative cumulative survival rates including operative death were 65, 34 and 27% for 1, 3 and 5 years, respectively. The 3-year survival rates for stages 1, 2, 3 and 4 were 55, 48, 27 and 0%, respectively. When the survival rate was analyzed by curability, the 3-year survival rates were 68 and 28% for curative and non-curative operations. In our department, 18 cases have survived over 3 years after hepatectomy. The macroscopical appearance of their tumors was characterized by encapsulation, with no tumor thrombosis in the portal vein. Tumor size or satellite lesions did not necessarily affect long survival.

Liver resection for hepatoma patients at stage I and II can be expected to bring about long-term survival.