Factors affecting long-term outcome after hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0002-9610(99)80106-8Get rights and content

Background

Experience with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is limited in the West and factors affecting outcome after resection are not clearly defined.

Methods

Between 1970 and 1992, 106 patients (including 74 Caucasians, 31 Orientals, and 1 black) underwent hepatic resection for HCC at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Clinical and histopathologic factors of outcome were analyzed.

Results

Cirrhosis was present in 33% and 95% were Child-Pugh A. Operative mortality was 6%, 14% in cirrhotics versus 1% in noncirrhotics (P = 0.013). Orientals had a higher prevalence of cirrhosis (68% versus 19%) (P <0.0001) and smaller tumors (mean 8.7 cm versus 11.0 cm) (P = 0.028) compared to Caucasians. Overall survival was 41% and 32% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. By univariate analysis, survival was greater in association with the following: absence of vascular invasion (69% versus 28%, P = 0.002); absence of symptoms (66% versus 38%, P = 0.014); solitary tumor (53% versus 28%, P = 0.014); negative margins (46% versus 21%, P = 0.022); small tumor (≤5 cm) (75% versus 36%, P = 0.027); and presence of tumor capsule (69% versus 35%, P = 0.047). Ethnic origin, cirrhosis, necrosis and grade did not affect survival. By multivariate analysis, only vascular invasion predicted outcome (P = 0.0025, risk ratio 2.9).

Conclusions

One third of patients resected for HCC can be expected to survive long-term. Except for a higher incidence of cirrhosis in Orientals, no major histopathologic or prognostic differences were noted between Orientals and Caucasians undergoing resection. Early cirrhosis (Child-Pugh A) did not adversely affect survival. Vascular invasion predicted long-term outcome.

References (40)

  • NagaoT et al.

    One hundred hepatic resections

    Ann Surg.

    (1985)
  • VautheyJN et al.

    Comparison of outcome between extended and non-extended liver resections for neoplasms

    Surgery.

    (1993)
  • NagasueN et al.

    Clinical experience with 118 hepatic resections for hepatocellular carcinoma

    Surgery.

    (1986)
  • IwatsukiS et al.

    Personal experience with 411 hepatic resections

    Ann Surg.

    (1988)
  • Health and welfare statistics association

    National public health, its trend

    Koseino-Shihyo.

    (1991)
  • NagaoT et al.

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

    Ann Surg.

    (1987)
  • ChoiTK et al.

    Results of surgical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma

    Hepatogastroenterology.

    (1990)
  • ThompsonHH et al.

    Major hepatic resection. A 25-year experience

    Ann Surg.

    (1983)
  • RingeB et al.

    Surgical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: experience with liver resection and transplantation in 198 patients

    World J Surg.

    (1991)
  • PughRNH et al.

    Transection of the oesophagus for bleeding oesophageal varices

    Br J Surg.

    (1973)
  • Cited by (298)

    • Laparoscopic vs open hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis: A meta-analysis of the long-term survival outcomes

      2018, International Journal of Surgery
      Citation Excerpt :

      The haematogenous spread of malignant cells during surgical resection has been reported in pancreatic, colorectal and prostate cancer [34–36]. Furthermore, venous permeation and vascular penetration by malignant processes occur frequently in HCC, which may result in the pre-operative dissemination of these cells as well [37,38]. The increased manipulation and mobilisation of the tumour that occurs in OH may promote the spread of these malignant cells into the systemic and intrahepatic portal venous system [39–42].

    • Chapter 89 - Tumors of the liver: Pathologic aspects

      2016, Blumgart's Surgery of the Liver, Biliary Tract and Pancreas: Sixth Edition
    • Chapter 108A - Parenchymal preservation in hepatic resectional surgery: Rationale and indications

      2016, Blumgart's Surgery of the Liver, Biliary Tract and Pancreas: Sixth Edition
    View all citing articles on Scopus
    1

    Supported by the Enid Haupt Chair in Surgery.

    View full text