Hepatic venous pressure gradient in hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Liver transplantation is considered the gold standard for curative treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with cirrhosis, but limited organ availability and high costs necessitate alternative options. Hepatic resection (HR) is preferred for select patients, providing tumor removal and prognostic information. However, HR has been associated with life-threatening complications, especially in the presence of clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH). Current guidelines recommend HR only for patients with well-preserved liver function, normal bilirubin levels, good performance status, and no CSPH. However, advancements in surgical techniques and portal hypertension management are challenging these guidelines, potentially allowing the consideration of hepatic resection for HCC in cirrhotic patients with CSPH. Indeed, minimally invasive approaches improve safety and outcomes for selected CSPH patients and accurate assessment of CSPH allows risk stratification according to liver function, tumor location, and extent of resection. Thus, despite the negative impact of CSPH on HR outcomes, careful patient selection and minimally invasive techniques expand the potential for HR in CSPH patients. This comprehensive review examines the evidence on HR in HCC treatment for cirrhotic patients with CSPH, highlighting challenges in surgical decision-making, the importance of direct measurement of hepatic venous pressure gradient, and exploring the benefits and risks associated with HR. Moreover, it underscores the need for refined prediction models and algorithms to optimize patient selection and enhance surgical outcomes.