Surgical Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: When Is It the Right Choice?
Published: Oct 22, 2023
Surgical resection is a potentially curative treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). But who are the best candidates for this procedure, and what can patients expect?
Contents
Ideal Candidates for Resection
The best candidates for surgical resection typically have a single tumor confined to the liver without vascular invasion. They should have good liver function, usually Child-Pugh class A cirrhosis, and no significant portal hypertension. However, some centers may consider resection for patients with more advanced disease, depending on their expertise and the patient's overall health.
The Resection Procedure
During a liver resection, surgeons remove the part of the liver containing the tumor, along with a margin of healthy tissue. This can be done through traditional open surgery or, in some cases, laparoscopically. The extent of the surgery depends on the tumor's size and location. The remaining liver can regenerate over time, restoring liver function.
Outcomes and Recovery
For carefully selected patients, surgical resection can offer excellent outcomes. Five-year survival rates can be as high as 70% in some cases. Recovery time varies but typically involves a hospital stay of 5-10 days. Full recovery may take several weeks to months. Patients will need regular follow-up to monitor for recurrence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically 2-4 hours, depending on the extent of resection.
Not necessarily, but recurrence is possible.
Resection removes the tumor surgically; ablation destroys it in place.
Specialized centers with experienced teams are preferable.
Key Takeaways
While surgical resection can be an excellent option for some HCC patients, it's not suitable for everyone.
Curious if you might be a candidate for surgical resection? Consult with Doctronic to explore your options.Related Articles
References
European Association for the Study of the Liver. EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines: Management of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2018; 69:182.
Forner A, Reig M, Bruix J. Hepatocellular carcinoma. Lancet 2018; 391:1301-1314.
Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.