Hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma. Clinical features and long-term prognosis

Ninety-eight hepatic resections for hepatocellular carcinoma were performed on 94 patients from 1963-1985. HBs antigen was positive in 17% of patients, preoperative serum alpha-fetoprotein was more than 20 ng/mL in 70% of patients, and liver cirrhosis was present in 75% of patients. Hospital mortality rate was 19%, and the volume of operative blood loss was the most decisive factor that affected the short-term prognosis. Excluding the 19 hospital deaths, the long-term survival rates of 75 patients were 73%, 42%, and 25% for 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. Prognostic factors that influenced the long-term prognosis were investigated by comparing the survival curves. Significant differences of survival patterns were noted when analyzed on the basis of preoperative alpha-fetoprotein level (less than or equal to 200 vs. greater than 200 ng/mL), tumor size (less than or equal to 5 vs. greater than 5 cm), and tumor capsule. The recurrence of carcinoma was the main cause of death in 56% (42 patients) who died after discharge from the hospital. The development of effective prevention and treatment against recurrent tumors is necessary to improve long-term prognosis.