Resection Of Large Hepatocellular Carcinoma Research Articles

Prognostic benefit of preoperative transarterial chemoembolization in upfront resectable large hepatocellular carcinoma: a multicentric propensity score based analysis of European high-volume centers

BackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have a dismal prognosis and any effective neoadjuvant treatment has been validated to date. We aimed to investigate the role of neoadjuvant transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in upfront resectable HCC larger than 5 cm. MethodsThis is a multicentric retrospective study comparing outcomes of large HCC undergoing TACE followed by surgery or liver resection alone before and after propensity-score matching (PSM). ResultsA total of 384 patients were included of whom 60 (15.6%) received TACE. This group did not differ from upfront resected cases neither in terms of disease-free survival (p = 0.246) nor in overall survival (p = 0.276). After PSM, TACE still did not influence long-term outcomes (p = 0.935 and p = 0.172, for DFS and OS respectively). In subgroup analysis, TACE improved OS only in HCC ≥10 cm (p = 0.045), with a borderline significance after portal vein embolization/ligation (p = 0.087) and in single HCC (p = 0.052). ConclusionsTACE should not be systematically performed in all resectable large HCC. Selected cases could however potentially benefit from this procedure, as patients with huge and single tumors or those necessitating of a PVE.

Laparoscopic anatomic vs. nonanatomic liver resection for large hepatocellular carcinoma (≥5 cm) in the right lobe

ObjectiveTo determine the impacts and outcomes of laparoscopic anatomic liver resection (LAR) and laparoscopic nonanatomic resection (LNAR) in patients with large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the right lobe of the liver. BackgroundThere are few comparative studies of LAR and LNAR for large HCC. MethodThree hundred thirty-seven patients underwent liver resection for large HCC (≥5 cm) at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul, Korea, between January 2004 and December 2022. After the exclusion of patients treated with open hepatic resection and those who had left-lobe or bilobar tumors, 94 patients were ultimately included. Patients were divided into LAR group (61 patients) and LNAR group (33 patients). After propensity score matching (PSM) with 1:1 matching, 31 patients were included in each group. The outcomes in the two groups were compared. ResultsLAR group had longer operative time than LNAR group (333.7 ± 113.7 vs 210 ± 117.6 min, respectively, P < 0.001), wider safety margin (1.4 ± 1.5 vs 0.7 ± 0.7 cm, respectively, P = 0.015), and lower incidence of recurrence (25.8% vs. 54.8%, respectively, P = 0.021). ConclusionLAR required longer operative time, achieved wider safety margin, and had lower incidence of recurrence than LNAR.

Successful surgical resection of large hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus after conversion therapy with mFOLFOX-HAIC combined with donafenib and sintilimab: two case reports and a literature review*

Abstract The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of mFOLFOX-HAIC combined with donafenib and sintilimab conversion therapy followed by surgical resection of large hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT). The clinical data of two patients with large hepatocellular carcinoma who were admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University were retrospectively collected. Both patients received mFOLFOX-HAIC combined with donafenib and sintilimab conversion therapy, followed by hepatectomy. Clinical data were reported, and clinical efficacy was evaluated. One patient had a 14.5 × 11.1 cm tumor with a tumor thrombus in the right portal vein. The other patient had a 12.1 × 8.3 cm tumor with portal and hepatic vein tumor thrombi. Both patients had CNLC stage IIIa prior to conversion therapy, which was reduced to stage Ib after conversion therapy. Subsequently, the patient underwent open and laparoscopic right hemihepatectomies. Short-term high-intensity conversion therapy with mFOLFOX-HAIC combined with donafenib and sintilimab is a feasible and effective treatment for patients with large hepatocellular carcinoma with PVTT.

Short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic versus open liver resection for large hepatocellular carcinoma: a propensity score study.

Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains controversial, especially for tumors larger than 5cm. We compared the short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic and open liver resection (OLR) for large HCC. Patients with large HCC after curative hepatectomy were enrolled. To compare the short-term outcomes, propensity score matching (PSM) and inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) were performed to reduce the effect of confounding factors, respectively. Subsequently, Cox-regression analyses were conducted to identify the independent risk factors associated with decreased recurrence-free survival (RFS) and poor overall survival (OS). There were 265 patients enrolled in the final analysis: 146 who underwent OLR and 119 who underwent LLR. There was no significant difference between the OLR and LLR groups according to PSM and IPTW analysis (all P > 0.05). Multivariable analysis revealed that LLR was not independently associated with poorer OS (HR 1.15, 95% CI 0.80-1.67, P = 0.448) or RFS (HR 1.22, 95% CI 0.88-1.70, P = 0.238). There were no significant differences in perioperative complications or long-term prognosis between LLR and OLR for large HCC, which provides evidence for standard laparoscopic surgical practice with adequate surgeon experience and careful patient selection.

A preoperative nomogram for predicting long-term survival after resection of large hepatocellular carcinoma (&gt;10 cm)

It has previously been demonstrated that a fraction of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) > 10 cm can benefit from liver resection. However, there is still a lack of effective decision-making tools to inform intervention in these patients.We analysed a comprehensive set of clinical data from 234 patients who underwent liver resection for HCC >10 cm at the National Cancer Institute of Peru between 1990 and 2015, monitored their survival, and constructed a nomogram to predict the surgical outcome based on preoperative variables.We identified cirrhosis, multifocality, macroscopic vascular invasion, and spontaneous tumour rupture as independent predictors of survival and integrated them into a nomogram model. The nomogram's ability to forecast survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was subsequently confirmed with high concordance using an internal validation. Through applying this nomogram, we stratified three groups of patients with different survival probabilities.We constructed a preoperative nomogram to predict long-term survival in patients with HCC >10 cm. This nomogram is useful in determining whether a patient with large HCC might truly benefit from liver resection, which is paramount in low- and middle-income countries where HCC is often diagnosed at advanced stages.

Impact of Tumor Size as a Prognostic Factor After One Stage Liver Resection for Solitary Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Cirrhotic Patients

Aim: This study is to assess tumor size as a prognostic factor predicting outcomes after one staged hepatectomy for cirrhotic patients with solitary hepatocellular carcinoma. Patients and methods: The study included 41 patients with single hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) of different sizes who underwent single-stage hepatectomy. Patients were divided according to their tumor size into 2 groups, group A involved patient with tumors ≤ 5 cm and group B which involved patients with tumors > 5 cm. The effect of the tumor size on overall survival and disease-free survival was studied in both groups. Results: The mean age of the studied groups was 59.60±6.89 years. Hepatitis C infection was found 82.9% of patients. Six patients (17.1%) received treatment of HCV. All patients were of Child-Pugh class A (77.1% were scores 5 and 22.9% were score 6). The median Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level was 240 ng/ml. The mean operative time was 186.4±52.4 min. During the follow-up period (12-24 months), 12 patients (34.3%) developed recurrence. The mean time of recurrence was 15.50±4.23 months. Cumulative disease-free survival (DFS) at the end of the study was 65.7%. The cumulative overall survival (OAS) proportion at the end of the study was 74.3%. Conclusion: Our results suggest that surgical resection for large HCC is safe and effective and that the first-line treatment for large HCC to be considered is surgical resection in selected patients. Our study showed that hepatectomy for large HCC could be performed with an acceptable morbidity and mortality rate. With the improvement in patient selection and treatment strategy, solitary large HCC is not a contraindication to surgical therapy.

Laparoscopically anatomical versus non-anatomical liver resection for large hepatocellular carcinoma

BackgroundThe role of laparoscopically anatomical resection (LAR) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear due to the more demanding technique required in laparoscopy. This study is to analyze the clinical impact of LAR compared to laparoscopically non-anatomical resection (LNAR) for HCC. MethodsAll patients received laparoscopic hepatectomy for HCC (diameter 5–10 cm) from January 2015 to December 2018 were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into LAR and LNAR groups. The perioperative and oncological outcomes were evaluated based on propensity score matching (PSM) method. ResultsAfter PSM, 51 patients in each group were enrolled. The operative time in LAR group was longer (240 vs 195.0 min, p = 0.012) and blood loss was more (200.0 vs 150.0 mL, p = 0.030) than those of LNAR group, respectively. The total complication rates were comparable between them (21.6% vs 17.6%, p = 0.500). The 3-year overall survival rates were 59.4% in LAR group and 38.7% in LNAR group, respectively (p = 0.045). The 3-year disease-free survival rates were 52.3% in LAR group and 27.0% in LNAR group, respectively (p = 0.042). ConclusionLAR could be feasibly performed with comparable perioperative outcomes and contributed to improve long-term survival in patients with HCC (diameter 5–10 cm) when compared to LNAR.

Laparoscopic liver resection for large hepatocellular carcinoma

In the journal Surgical Endoscopy , Levi Sandriand Spoletini et al . reported a two-center experience with the short-and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) for largehepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (1). A total of 172 patients from twohigh-volume liver surgery centers who underwent LLR between 2003 and 2016 wereanalyzed after classification into three groups according to tumor size (&lt;3 cm, between 3 and 5 cm, and ≥5cm).

Long-term outcomes in elderly patients with resectable large hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing hepatectomy

BackgroundIn contrast to the feasibility of hepatectomy for resectable large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, >5 cm) in the younger patients, the concerns of benefits for the elderly patients remain in practice. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes and safety after hepatectomy in elderly patients with resectable large HCC compared with younger patients. MethodsBetween 2003 and 2014, a total of 2211 HCC patients were reviewed using a prospective database and 257 patients with resectable large HCC undergoing hepatectomy were included: 79 elderly patients with age ≥70 years and 178 younger patients with age <70 years. The last follow-up was assessed in December 2017. The complications, long-term outcomes and risk factors of disease-free and overall survival were analysed. ResultsThe 1-, 3-, 5- and 7-year overall survival rates in the elderly and younger groups were 76%, 55%, 48%, and 42% and 79%, 57%, 51%, and 49%, respectively (P = 0.319). The 1-, 3-, 5-, and 7-year disease-free survival rates in the elderly and younger groups were 60%, 40%, 38%, and 27% and 54%, 36%, 32%, and 32%, respectively (P = 0.633). The analysis of post-operative outcomes of interest, including hospital stay and hospital death and hepatectomy-related complications in both groups revealed no significant difference. Serum albumin and AJCC TNM stage were independent risk factors for survival. Serum alpha-fetoprotein, tumour number and AJCC TNM stage predicted HCC recurrence. ConclusionsOur results suggested that hepatectomy can achieve comparable long-term outcomes in the selected younger and elderly patients with resectable large HCC.

Anterior approach combined with infrahepatic inferior vena cava clamping right hepatic resection for large hepatocellular carcinoma: A prospective randomized controlled trial.

Background:The anterior approach (AA) technique has been reported to provide better operative and survival outcomes compared with the conventional approach for large right hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) resection. However, this technique runs the risk of massive retrograde bleeding from the right hepatic vein or middle hepatic vein at the deeper plane of parenchymal transection. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of AA combined with infrahepatic inferior vena cava (IVC) clamping on the perioperative outcomes in patients undergoing right hepatic resection for large HCC in randomized clinical trial settings.Methods:A total of 101 patients undergoing right hepatic resection for large HCC were randomized to receive AA combined with infrahepatic IVC clamping (group A, n = 50), or AA alone (group B, n = 51).Results:The total blood loss (423 ± 154 vs 757 ± 338 mL; P = 0.001), blood loss during liver transection (272 ± 96 vs 563 ± 144 mL; P = 0.001), and intraoperative blood transfusion requirements (12.0% vs 29.4%; P = 0.031) were significantly less in group A patients compared with group B patients. There was no IVC clamping-associated morbidity in group A.Conclusion:AA combined with infrahepatic IVC clamping for large right HCC resection is a safe, feasible, and effective technique in reducing intraoperative blood loss.

The safety and adequacy of liver resection for large hepatocellular carcinoma: A retrospective single institute study

Background: Most major hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) staging systems recommend hepatic resection only for patients with early-stage of HCC. Still there is controversial about resection of patients with large HCC (defined as >5 cm). The aim of this retrospective study is to investigate the clinicopathological features that impacted the long-term outcomes of 1 year after hepatectomy of large HCC >5 cm in cirrhotic patients. Materials and Methods: From February 2012 to December 2015, a total of 92 patients with resection of large HCC on liver cirrhosis were reviewed retrospectively and considered for clinicopathological features that impacted the long-term outcomes. Time to recurrence (recurrence-free survival) and overall survival (OS) were determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: Twenty-nine (31.5%) patients developed tumor recurrence. The mean time until tumor recurrence was 12.4 ± 6.6 months. The cumulative 1-, 2-, and 3-year disease-free survival rates were 73%, 28%, and 18%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, male gender, α-fetoprotein >400, bilobed tumors, patients with portal hypertension, plasma transfusion, and absence of tumor capsule remained independent predictors for recurrence of HCC. The OS rates at 1, 2, and 3 years were 73%, 31%, and 16%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, α-fetoprotein >400 and plasma transfusion remained independent predictors for death. Conclusions: Liver resection is suggested in patients with large HCC and can be performed with acceptable overall and disease-free survival and morbidity rates. Identification of risk factors and close postresection follow-up with early detection are mandatory measures for prompt treatment of tumor recurrence which is reflected by a beneficial survival rate for this group of patients.

Outcomes of Hepatic Resection for Large Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Special Reference to Postoperative Recurrence

Safety and efficacy of hepatic resection for large hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs 10 cm or greater in diameter) remain controversial. Surgical results of patients with HCCs 10 cm or greater (n = 24) who underwent hepatic resection over an 11-year period were compared with those of patients with HCCs less than 10 cm (n = 291). There was no significant difference in mortality between the two groups (P > 0.99). Overall 5-year survival rate was 44.6 per cent among patients with HCCs 10 cm or greater and 70.5 per cent among those with HCCs less than 10 cm (P = 0.010); however, there was no significant difference in disease-free survival rate between the two groups (P = 0.16). Incidence of synchronous intra- and extrahepatic recurrence was higher in patients with HCCs 10 cm or greater than in those with HCCs less than 10 cm (P = 0.0012). Macrovascular invasion alone was an independent risk factor for poor prognosis (hazard ratio [HR],: 11.1) and recurrence (HR, 6.02) after hepatic resection for HCCs 10 cm or greater, which was correlated with synchronous intra- and extrahepatic recurrence. Hepatic resection for large HCCs is safe and efficacious. However, incidence of synchronous intra- and extrahepatic recurrence is high, especially in patients with macrovascular invasion.

Right hepatic resection for large hepatocellular carcinoma using the anterior approach versus the conventional approach: a Meta-analysis

Objective To compare the results of the anterior approach (AA) with the conventional approach in the treatment of large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods We searched the Medline,PubMed,Cochrane Library,Wanfang database on randomized clinical controlled trials and non-randomized clinical controlled trials comparing AA with the CA in right hepatic resection for large hepatocellular carcinoma.The data were analyzed with the RevMan5 software.Results Five non-randomized clinical controlled trials (NRCTs) and three randomized clinical controlled trials involving 615 patients (304 in the AA group,311 in the CA group) were enrolled into the analysis.There was no significant difference in the operation time between the two groups.Compared with the CA,the AA had lower intraoperative blood loss (WMD=-680.2 ml; 95％CI,-1023.97～-336.43;P=0.0001),blood transfusion rate (OR=0.38;95％ CI,0.25～0.59;P＜0.0001),intraoperative tumor rupture (OR=0.33;95％CI,0.11～0.97;P=0.04),surgical complication (OR=0.59;95％CI,0.38 ～ 0.93 ; P =0.02),hospital mortality (OR =0.37 ; 95 ％ CI,0.21 ～ 0.67 ; P =0.0009),and hospital stay (WMD=-4.75 d;95％CI,-7.82～-1.67;P=0.002).Conclusion AA is superior to CA in the treatment of larger.The operation time is the same for the 2 approaches. Key words: Hepatocellular neoplasm ; Hepatectomy; Treatment effectiveness; Anterior approach ; Meta-analysis

Resection of an intra-operative ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma with continuous pringle maneuver and in situ hypothermic perfusion through the inferior mesenteric vein - a case report

Intra-operative tumor rupture is a serious complication during resection of large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) leading to more blood loss. We report our experience in applying continuous Pringle maneuver with in situ hypothermic perfusion via inferior mesenteric vein catheterization to the portal vein of the remnant liver for resection during an extended left lobectomy of a large HCC which ruptured intraoperatively. Using this method, we successfully managed the patient without any further morbidity. This technique provides easier accessibility of in situ perfusion, decreases operative blood loss and prevents warm ischemic injury to the remnant liver during parenchymal transection. This method could be effective for the resection of large ruptured HCC.

Resection of large hepatocellular carcinoma (≥10 cm): A unique western perspective

Few Western centers have surgically treated a high volume of large hepatocellular carcinoma 10 cm or more in diameter. The study aim was to analyze a large Western cohort of these patients, and to present our outcomes in the context of the more extensive Eastern experience. We retrospectively reviewed all patients at our center receiving partial hepatectomy from January 1992 to August 2010, and analyzed a cohort with hepatocellular carcinoma ≥10 cm in diameter. One hundred thirty patients comprised the cohort. One hundred three (79.2%) of the patients received major anatomic resections, and 23 (17.7%) patients underwent tumor thrombectomy as an adjunct procedure. Perioperative mortality was observed in 9 (6.9%) of cases, but from January 2002 onward, only 2 (2.3%) of the 86 resections performed resulted in a mortality. The survival rate at 1, 3, and 5 years was 56.9%, 30.3%, and 18.8%, respectively; the median survival was 17.0 months. The subgroup of 39 patients without gross vascular invasion and satellite nodules achieved a median survival of 40.3 months. Resection of large hepatocellular carcinoma can be done with safety at a large Western center, and a subgroup of patients will achieve long-term survival.

Surgical treatment for large hepatocellular carcinoma: does size matter?

Despite significant progress in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), patients with large HCC (defined as >10 cm) continue to present a significant challenge. The goal of this paper is to review the existing literature regarding large HCC, with emphasis on identifying the issues and challenges involved in approaching these tumours surgically. A computerized search was made of the Medline database from January 1992 to December 2010. The MESH heading 'large' or 'huge' in combination with the keyword 'hepatocellular carcinoma' was used. After excluding further studies that identified 'large' HCC as less than 10 cm and/or sequential publications with overlapping patient populations, the search produced a study population of 22 non-duplicated papers, reporting on a total of 5223 patients with HCC tumours >10 cm. Regarding resection for large HCC, the overall 5-year survival in these studies ranged from 25% to 45%, with few outliers on both sides, whereas in most studies, the 5-year disease-free survival ranged between 15% and 35%, with the only exception being studies with patients with single lesions and no cirrhosis showing disease-free survival of 41% and 56%, respectively. Risk factors identified included vascular invasion, cirrhosis, high level of alpha-fetoprotein and the presence of multiple lesions. Finally, liver transplantation, although an attractive concept, did not appear to offer a survival benefit in any of the studies. In conclusion, identifying the risk factors that affect the outcome in patients undergoing surgery for large HCC is critical. The reason is that surgical resection can have excellent outcomes in carefully selected patients.

Beneficial effects of preoperative lipiodolization for resectable large hepatocellular carcinoma (≥5 cm in diameter)

The effects of preoperative lipiodolization (LPD) for large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are controversial. A retrospective review was undertaken for 137 patients with initial solitary resectable HCC ≥ 5 cm who underwent hepatic resection between 1995 and 2008. Forty-two patients underwent preoperative LPD, and clinical data and prognosis were compared to those of patients without preoperative LPD (n=95). Surgical results of the LPD group, such as surgical time, surgical blood loss, and the mortality and morbidity rate were statistically equal to those of the nonLPD group. The disease-free and overall survival of the LPD group were significantly better than those of the nonLPD group, and early tumor recurrence within 1-year of the LPD group was significantly lower than that of the nonLPD group. According to the multivariate analysis, the absence of preoperative LPD was an independent poor prognostic factor of patients with hepatic resection for HCC ≥ 5 cm. Preoperative LPD suppressed early tumor recurrence and improved patient survival after hepatic resection for HCC ≥ 5 cm.

Is There any Benefit from Expanding the Criteria for the Resection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Cirrhotic Liver? Experience from a Developing Country

Patients with large-size (>10 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Child B cirrhosis are usually excluded from curative treatment, i.e., hepatic resection, because of marginal liver function and poor outcome. This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility of the radiofrequency (RF)-assisted sequential "coagulate-cut liver resection technique" in expanding the criteria for resection of large HCC in cirrhotic livers with impaired liver function. Forty patients with Child-Pugh A or B cirrhosis underwent liver resection from December 1, 2001 to December 31, 2008. Of these, 20 patients (13 Child-Pugh A and 7 Child-Pugh B) with advanced stage HCC (stage B and C according to Barcelona-Clinic Liver Cancer Group) underwent major liver resection. The two groups were comparable in terms of patient age, liver cirrhosis etiology, tumor number, and size. All resections were performed without the Pringle maneuver. There was no significant difference found between the two groups regarding resection time, perioperative transfusion, postoperative complications, hospital stay, and day 7 values of hemoglobin and liver enzymes. Likewise, there was no significant difference found in the overall survival between Child A and Child B patients who underwent major liver resection RF-assisted sequentional "coagulate-cut liver resection technique" may be a viable alternative for management of patients with advanced HCC in cirrhotic liver with impaired function.

Effect of preoperative transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for treatment of resectable large hepatocellular carcinoma:a clinical randomized controlled trial

Objective:To evaluate the effect of preoperative transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE) on liver function and survival of patients after resection of large hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) by a randomized controlled approach.Methods: From July 2001 to December 2003,a total of 108 patients with resectable large HCC(≥ 5 cm),who met the inclusion criteria,were prospectively randomized into surgical resection group(OP group,n=56) or preoperative TACE group(TACE+OP group,n=52).Operative outcomes,resection rate,1-,3-,and 5-year tumor-free survival rates and overall survival rate were compared between the two groups.Results: The preoperative baseline conditions were equivalent between the two groups.The γ-globulin level in TACE+OP group was significantly higher than that in the OP group(P=0.046)after chemoembolization.The prealbumin level was significantly lower than that of the OP group seven days after operation(P=0.031).Compared with TACE+OP group,OP group had a significantly higher resection rate(100% vs 89.4%,P=0.017),a less average operative time(P=0.042),and less metastases(2 vs 9,P=0.018).There were no significant differences between the two groups in intraoperative blood loss,warm ischemic time,1-,3-,and 5-year tumor-free survival rates,or overall survival rate.Conclusion: The preoperative TACE can not improve post-operative tumor-free and overall survival rates,and it may result in tumor metastasis or hepatic function damages.

Hepatic resection for large hepatocellular carcinoma in the era of UCSF criteria

BackgroundTreating patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a challenge, especially when the disease presents at an advanced stage. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the efficacy of liver resection in patients who fulfil or exceed University of California San Francisco (UCSF) criteria by assessing longterm outcome. MethodsBetween 2002 and 2008, 59 patients with large HCC (>5cm) underwent hepatectomy. Thirty-two of these patients fulfilled UCSF criteria for transplantation (group A) and 27 did not (group B). Disease-free survival and overall survival rates were compared between the two groups after resection and were critically evaluated with regard to patient eligibility for transplant. ResultsIn all patients major or extended hepatectomies were performed. There was no perioperative mortality. Morbidity consisted of biliary fistula, abscess, pleural effusion and pneumonia and was significantly higher in patient group B. Disease-free survival rates at 1, 3 and 5 years were 66%, 37% and 34% in group A and 56%, 29% and 26% in group B, respectively (P < 0.01). Survival rates at 1, 3 and 5 years were 73%, 39% and 35% in group A and 64%, 35% and 29% in group B, respectively (P= 0.04). The recurrence rate was higher in group B (P= 0.002). ConclusionsSurgical resection, if feasible, is suggested in patients with large HCC and can be performed with acceptable overall and disease-free survival and morbidity rates. In patients eligible for transplantation, resection may also have a place in the management strategy when waiting list time is prolonged for reasons of organ shortage or when the candidate has low priority as a result of a low MELD (model for end-stage liver disease) score.