Abstract
Segmental liver resection is generally considered the treatment of choice for small HCC in cirrhotic livers. Although in selected patients with small encapsulated nodules and low alpha-fetoprotein levels long-term survival can be expected after resection [4], Western experience is still limited, and follow-up studies too short so that the data presently available cannot be considered satisfactory [3]. The true value of alcoholization as a possible alternative therapy in these patients is still to be ascertained. When using these treatment modalities, the major problem is the high tumour recurrence within the liver [1, 6]. Three main reasons could explain these clinical observations: inadequate resection of the original tumor; unrecognized multifocal HCC; newly generated tumours in the remnant cirrhotic parenchyma. The rationale for liver transplantation is the oncological accuracy of the ablation of the liver, and the possibility of a simultaneous cure of the associated cirrhosis [2]. In our programme of liver transplantation, begun in 1985, we accepted as an indication small HCC in cirrhotic livers. We present here our initial experience with 19 cases.
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