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Contents
  • Ideal Candidates for Resection
  • The Resection Procedure
  • Outcomes and Recovery
  • Potential Risks and Complications

Surgical Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: When Is It the Right Choice?

Surgical Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: When Is It the Right Choice?

A Potential Cure

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 Resection Procedure
  • Outcomes and Recovery
  • Potential Risks and Complications

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.
Surgical resection is a potentially curative procedure for hepatocellular carcinoma, involving the removal of the liver tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue.

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.

Potential Risks and Complications

As with any major surgery, liver resection carries risks. These can include bleeding, infection, liver failure, and bile leakage. The risk of complications is higher in patients with more advanced liver disease. It's crucial for patients to discuss these risks with their surgical team and understand the potential benefits and drawbacks.

FAQs

How long does the surgery take?

Typically 2-4 hours, depending on the extent of resection.

Will I need a liver transplant later?

Not necessarily, but recurrence is possible.

How is resection different from ablation?

Resection removes the tumor surgically; ablation destroys it in place.

Can all hospitals perform liver resections?

Specialized centers with experienced teams are preferable.

Will I need chemotherapy after surgery?

It depends on individual factors; discuss with your oncologist.

Is Resection Right for You?

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.
Additional References
  1. European Association for the Study of the Liver. EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines: Management of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2018; 69:182.
  2. Forner A, Reig M, Bruix J. Hepatocellular carcinoma. Lancet 2018; 391:1301-1314.
  3. Torzilli G, et al. A snapshot of the effective indications and results of surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma in tertiary referral centers: is it adherent to the EASL/AASLD recommendations?: an observational study of the HCC East-West study group. Ann Surg 2013; 257:929-937.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.