Orthotopic liver transplantation for benign hepatic neoplasms

To evaluate the frequency and outcome of liver transplantation for symptomatic, unresectable, benign hepatic neoplasms.

Retrospective study.

Presbyterian University Hospital, a tertiary care referral center for liver transplantation affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh (Pa).

All 3239 liver transplant recipients at the University of Pittsburgh from January 1981 until January 1993.

Twelve (0.37%) of 3239 patients required liver transplantation for benign, highly symptomatic hepatic neoplasms that were unresectable. Origins included adenoma (n = 6), mesenchymal hamartoma (n = 2), massive hepatic lymphangiomatosis (n = 1), hilar fibrous angiodysplasia (n = 1), focal nodular hyperplasia (n = 1), and hemangioma (n = 1). There were three perioperative deaths and two late deaths at 56 and 84 months. The remaining patients are alive, with follow-up ranging from 36 to 145 months. Median survival for the nine patients who survived the perioperative period is 88 months. The early deaths were attributable to hemorrhagic complications (n = 2) and necrotizing pancreatitis (n = 1). The two late deaths were due to disseminated aspergillosis and hepatitis-associated cirrhosis.

Patients with severe symptoms from benign hepatic neoplasms that are not resectable can be treated by total hepatectomy and orthotopic liver transplantation, with the expectation of good long-term results.