Risk factors for perioperative morbidity and mortality after extended hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Extended hepatectomy with resection of more than four segments is a high-risk operation, especially in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with chronic liver disease. This study evaluated the risk factors for morbidity and mortality following extended hepatectomy for HCC. METHODS: Preoperative and intraoperative variables of 155 patients who underwent extended hepatectomy for HCC were analysed to identify risk factors for postoperative morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: The overall morbidity rate was 55.5 per cent (n = 86). Most morbidity was due to ascites or pleural effusion. Significant life-threatening complications occurred in 20.0 per cent (n = 31). The perioperative mortality rate was 8.4 per cent (n = 13). Multivariate analysis found that portal clamping (P = 0.023) and perioperative blood transfusion (P < 0.001) were risk factors for morbidity, whereas perioperative blood transfusion (P < 0.001) was the only risk factor for significant morbidity. Co-morbid illness (P = 0.019) and perioperative blood transfusion (P = 0.004) were risk factors for perioperative mortality. CONCLUSION: Meticulous operative techniques to minimize blood loss and transfusion, while avoiding a prolonged Pringle manoeuvre, may help reduce postoperative morbidity. Avoidance of perioperative blood transfusion and careful preoperative selection of patients in terms of overall physiological status are important measures to reduce the postoperative mortality rate.     

肝癌的外科治疗—香港经验

肝细胞肝癌（ＨＣＣ）在香港是居于第二位的致死恶性肿瘤，肝切除是治疗ＨＣＣ最为常用和有效的方法。香港大学玛丽医院在最近９年来，肝切除术技术和围手术期管理已经逐渐形成了一套自己的常规。为了避免不必要的开腹手术，术前仔细地检查和估计肿瘤扩散的范围及病人的肝功能情况十分重要。超声刀和Ｐｒｉｎｇｌｅ技术的采用能够有效地减少术中失血，术后管理和围手术期营养支持也是重要的确保肝切除术成功的因素。玛丽医院肝切除术     

Major hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with an unsatisfactory indocyanine green clearance test.

BACKGROUND: Liver failure is the commonest cause of postoperative death in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). With the improvement in operative technique and perioperative care, the limit of hepatic functional reserve may be lowered. The aim of this study was to evaluate the postoperative morbidity, mortality and survival rates in patients with an indocyanine green (ICG) retention value higher than 14 per cent, after major hepatectomy for HCC. METHODS: From January 1994 to December 1997, 117 patients underwent major hepatectomy for HCC; 92 patients had preoperative ICG retention at 15 min lower than 14 per cent (median 8.3 (range 1.6-13.8) per cent), while 25 patients had ICG retention greater than 14 per cent (17.4 (range 14.3-35.3) per cent). Data were collected prospectively and analysed retrospectively. RESULTS: The two groups of patients were similar in terms of age, sex ratio, preoperative platelet count, liver biochemistry, Child-Pugh status and operative procedures performed, but the prothrombin time was significantly longer in the high ICG group. The operative blood loss (1.5 litres), the amount of blood transfused and the number of patients requiring blood transfusion were similar. The postoperative complication rate (41 versus 40 per cent), duration of hospital stay (12 versus 13 days), hospital mortality rate (1 versus 4 per cent) and median survival time (47 versus 45 months) were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: With meticulous surgical technique to decrease intraoperative blood loss and good perioperative care, selected patients with limited hepatic functional reserve can achieve a good immediate postoperative result and a survival rate similar to that of patients with good hepatic functional reserve.     

输血对大肝癌切除术后近远期预后的影响

目的研究输血对大肝癌切除术后近期并发症和远期存活率的影响。方法回顾性分析177例大肝癌切除术病例，结合随访分析输血对近期并发症和远期存活率的影响。结果本组大肝癌围手术期输血率为74．6％。近5年输血量及输血率较5年前显著减少（P〈0．01）。不输血组并发症率低于输血组（P〈0．05）。单因素分析显示，年龄、肝门阻断、术中出血量、输血量以及手术时间与术后并发症发生有关。多因素分析显示，年龄、肝门阻断、输血量以及手术时间是决定术后并发症的4个独立的预测指标。本组大肝癌1、3、5年总存活率为67％、44％和34％，1、3、5年无瘤存活率为51％、31％和31％。不输血组和输血组的总存活率以及无瘤存活率无显著差别。结论输血是决定大肝癌切除术后并发症发生的独立危险因素之一，但输血对大肝癌切除术后存活率无显著影响。肝脏外科医生应积极采取各种方法尽可能避免大肝癌切除术围手术期的输血。     

Trends in morbidity and mortality after hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: an institute's experience with 625 patients

BACKGROUND: Despite recent developments in surgery and patient management during the perioperative period, critical complications still developed in a few patients who had hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). STUDY DESIGN: Six hundred twenty-five consecutive patients who had hepatic resection for HCC were reviewed and operative morbidity and mortality rates assessed. RESULTS: There were progressive decreases in the surgical blood loss and the rate of blood transfusion (p = 0.0001). Occurrence of ascites and other complications dramatically decreased in the study series (p = 0.0001). Hospital death rate and incidence of postoperative liver failure also decreased from 2.5%, 1.9% (1985 to 1990), 4.4%, 3.2% (1991 to 1996) to 1.9%, 1.4% (1997 to 2002), respectively. Using multiple logistic regression, independent risk factors associated with postoperative complications were found to be the period of operation (odds ratio [OR] = 0.408; p < 0.0001) and alanine aminotransferase > or = 70 IU/L (OR = 2.020; p = 0.0009) over the entire period of this study (1985 to 2002), or the platelet count of < 100 x 10(3)/mm(3) (OR = 4.654; p = 0.0072) and the presence of blood transfusion during operation (OR = 8.249; p = 0.0230) in 1997 to 2002. CONCLUSIONS: In this series, there has been a decline in surgical blood loss and rate of blood transfusion and in the number of patients with major complications. These results are largely attributable to the adequate selection of surgical candidate and factors aimed at reducing surgical blood loss.     

微创化技术在精准肝切除中的应用

目的 分析微创化技术对肝切除患者围手术期的影响.方法 收集南京医科大学第一附属医院肝移植中心单个手术小组于2003年8月至2008年8月间所开展的338例肝切除手术患者的临床资料,分析应用微创化技术对患者术中出血量、并发症发生率、围手术期病死率的影响.结果 338例肝切除术的病例中,255例(75.4%)患者进行解剖性肝叶或肝段的精准肝切除术.手术平均时间150 min(45～650 min);术中出血量300 ml(100～4600 m1),211例(62.4%)术中未输血.围手术期总并发症发生率为18.1%,病死率为0.6%.多因素Logistic回归分析表明,围手术期输血和低血小板血症足肝切除围手术期并发症发生的独立预后因子.结论 体现微创化技术的精准肝切除术可使患者获得较好的临床结果 ,并发症发生率和病死率处于较低的水平.减少术中出血是获得围手术期良好临床结果 的重要因素.     

No-mortality liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic and noncirrhotic patients: is there a way? A prospective analysis of our approach.

BACKGROUND: Low resectability rates and significant morbidity and mortality rates often make surgery for hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) unfeasible. HYPOTHESIS: Our policy for surgical treatment of cirrhotic and noncirrhotic patients with HCC is adequate and safe. DESIGN: Prospective validation cohort study. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: One hundred seven consecutive patients with HCCs. Associated cirrhosis was present in 64 (59.8%), and only 7 (6.5%) had normal livers. INTERVENTIONS: The presence of ascites, serum bilirubin level, and indocyanine green retention rate at 15 minutes were considered when selecting patients for surgery. Preoperative recovery of liver function was achieved with portal venous branch embolization, liver volumetry, bed rest, and control of serum aminotransferase levels. The surgical techniques mainly involved bloodless dissection using intraoperative ultrasonography and intermittent warm ischemia. The main perioperative care regimen was fresh frozen plasma infusion and strict limitation of blood transfusion. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The 30-day postoperative mortality and morbidity rates. RESULTS: All the patients underwent surgery (37 major resections, 45 segmentectomies, and 25 limited resections), with no 30-day postoperative mortality, overall morbidity of 26.2%, and no major complications. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that only the type of operation was associated with a significantly higher morbidity risk (P = .05). CONCLUSION: With high resectability, low morbidity, and no mortality, our policy represents a solution to the drawbacks of surgical resection for treatment of HCCs, especially in patients with associated liver cirrhosis.     

Improving perioperative outcome expands the role of hepatectomy in management of benign and malignant hepatobiliary diseases: analysis of 1222 consecutive patients from a prospective database

OBJECTIVE: To assess the trends in perioperative outcome of hepatectomy for hepatobiliary diseases. METHODS: Data of 1222 consecutive patients who underwent hepatectomy for hepatobiliary diseases from July 1989 to June 2003 in a tertiary institution were collected prospectively. Perioperative outcome of patients in the first (group I) and second (group II) halves of this period was compared. Factors associated with morbidity and mortality were analyzed. RESULTS: Diagnoses included hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 734), other liver cancers (n = 257), extrahepatic biliary malignancies (n = 43), hepatolithiasis (n = 101), benign liver tumors (n = 61), and other diseases (n = 26). The majority of patients (61.8%) underwent major hepatectomy of > or = 3 segments. The overall hospital mortality and morbidity were 4.9% and 32.4%, respectively. The number of hepatectomies increased from 402 in group I to 820 in group II, partly as a result of more liberal patient selection. Group II had more elderly patients (P = 0.006), more patients with comorbid illnesses (P = 0.001), and significantly worse liver function. Nonetheless, group II had lower blood loss (median 750 versus 1450 mL, P < 0.001), perioperative transfusion (17.3% versus 67.7%, P < 0.001), morbidity (30.0% versus 37.3%, P = 0.012), and hospital mortality (3.7% versus 7.5%, P = 0.004). On multivariate analysis, hypoalbuminemia, thrombocytopenia, elevated serum creatinine, major hepatic resection, and transfusion were the significant predictors of hospital mortality, whereas concomitant extrahepatic procedure, thrombocytopenia, and transfusion were the predictors of morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative outcome has improved despite extending the indication of hepatectomy to more high-risk patients. The role of hepatectomy in the management of hepatobiliary diseases can be expanded. Reduced perioperative transfusion is the main contributory factor for improved outcome.     

Repeat liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Although hepatectomy has been accepted as a therapeutic option for the primary tumor of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), what role the second liver resection will play in the clinical care of patients with intrahepatic recurrence of HCC after the initial resection has not been well evaluated. STUDY DESIGN: In a retrospective review of the 6-year period between January 1991 and December 1996, records were examined of 94 patients who underwent curative liver resection for HCC. Of these, 57 patients had isolated recurrent disease to the liver; 12 of the 57 patients underwent repeat surgical resection and 45 patients received nonsurgical ablative therapy. Clinical data for these patients were reviewed for operative morbidity and mortality, survival, disease-free survival, and pattern of failure. RESULTS: There were no perioperative deaths during repeat liver resections for recurrent HCC. Operative morbidity in the second resection was comparable to the initial resection. The disease-free survival rate after the second hepatectomy was 31% at 2 years, significantly lower than that after initial hepatectomy (62%) (p = 0.009). The overall survival rate after the second hepatectomy was 90% at 2 years, in contrast to 70% after nonsurgical ablative treatment for recurrent HCC (p = 0.253). CONCLUSIONS: Although the second liver resection for recurrent HCC can be performed safely and may improve survival, the disease-free survival rate after such resection therapy is low. This likelihood of further recurrences encourages studies for the selection of patients who may benefit from repeat liver resection.     

老年肝细胞癌的临床病理特征和手术安全性分析

目的 探讨老年原发性肝细胞癌(HCC)的临床病理特征及手术切除的安全性.方法 回顾性分析中山大学附属第一医院2005年12月至2008年12月手术治疗的316例原发性肝细胞癌.所有病人分为老年组(≥60岁,n=72)和非老年组(＜60岁,n=244),比较两组的临床病理资料及手术结果.结果 老年组的乙肝表面抗原阳性率、AFP值及血管侵犯发生率明显低于非老年组(P＜0.05);两组在肝切除范围、手术时间、术中失血量、术中输血、术后并发症发生率、术后病死率及住院天数等方面无统计学差异(P＞0.05).结论 老年原发性肝细胞癌具有乙肝表面抗原阳性率、AFP值及血管侵犯发生率较低等特点.手术切除老年肝细胞癌是安全的,对老年肝细胞癌的手术切除应持积极态度.     

Extended hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis: is it justified?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the perioperative outcomes and long-term survival of extended hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with cirrhosis. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Hepatic resection is a well-established treatment for HCC in cirrhotic patients with preserved liver function and limited disease. However, the role of extended hepatic resection (more than four segments) for HCC in cirrhotic patients has not been elucidated. METHODS: Between 1993 and 2000, 45 consecutive patients with histologically confirmed cirrhosis underwent right or left extended hepatectomy for HCC (group A). Perioperative outcomes and long-term survival of these patients were compared with 161 patients with HCC and cirrhosis who underwent hepatic resection of a lesser extent in the same period (group B). All clinicopathologic and follow-up data were collected prospectively. RESULTS: Group A patients had significantly higher intraoperative blood loss, longer operation time, and longer hospital stay than group B. However, the two groups were similar in overall morbidity and hospital mortality. There were no significant differences in the incidence of liver failure or other complications. The resection margin width was similar between the two groups. Despite significantly larger tumor size in group A compared with group B, long-term survival was comparable between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Extended hepatic resection for HCC can be performed in selected cirrhotic patients with acceptable morbidity, mortality, and long-term survival that are comparable to those of lesser hepatic resection. Extended hepatectomy for large HCC extending from one lobe to the other or central HCC critically related to the hepatic veins is justifiable in cirrhotic patients with preserved liver function and adequate liver remnant.     

Perioperative complications of radical cystectomy in a contemporary series

OBJECTIVES: Radical cystectomy is the preferred standard treatment for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer. With improvements in intra- and perioperative care lower complication rates have been reported. We retrospectively evaluated our series of patients who underwent radical cystectomy for advanced bladder cancer for perioperative complications as well as operative time, postoperative hospital stay and transfusion rates. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between April 1993 and August 2005, 516 radical cystectomies were performed for muscle infiltrating transitional cell carcinoma and other types of neoplastic diseases of the bladder at our institution. The average age was 66.3 yr (31-89). RESULTS: The perioperative mortality rate was 0.8%. A total of 141 patients (27.3%) developed at least one perioperative complication. The most frequent medical complications were subileus in 20 (3.9%) patients, deep venous thrombosis in 24 (4.7%), and enterocolitis in 10 (1.9%). Surgical complications included pelvic lymphoceles in 42 (8.1%) patients, wound dehiscence in 46 (8.9%), pelvic hematoma in 4 (0.8%), peritonitis in 4 (0.8%) and small bowel obstruction in 4 (0.8%). The total early reoperation rate was 6.2%. Operative time, postoperative hospital stay and average number of blood units transfused decreased over the period 1993-2005. CONCLUSIONS: Radical cystectomy today is a procedure with an acceptable rate of perioperative morbidity and mortality. Improvements in surgical technique and anaesthesia as well as increased quality of perioperative care in recent years have resulted in reduced morbidity and shorter hospital stay.     

Impact of blood loss on outcome after liver resection

Partial liver resections are the treatment of choice for patients with a malignant liver or bile duct tumor. The most frequent indications for partial liver resections are colorectal metastasis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma. Liver resection is the only therapy with a chance for cure in these patients. Refinements in surgical technique and increasing experience have contributed to a reduction in perioperative morbidity and mortality in recent years. Despite these improvements, partial liver resections remain a major surgical procedure and carry the risk for excessive blood loss and a subsequent need for blood transfusion. Blood transfusions have been associated with systemic side effects, such as depression of the immune system. Several studies have suggested that perioperative blood loss or transfusions have a negative impact on postoperative outcome. However, it has been debated whether this is due to a real cause-effect relationship or merely the result of more complicated surgery. We have reviewed the literature concerning studies focusing on the relationship between blood loss and blood transfusion during liver surgery for malignant tumors and postoperative outcome. Most studies were based on a retrospective analysis of single center experiences, using uni- and multivariate statistical methods. Most studies have demonstrated a significant and clinically relevant association between blood transfusion and postoperative mortality and morbidity, especially postoperative infectious complications. The effect of blood transfusions on tumor recurrence and more long-term mortality is much less clear and evidence varies depending on the type of malignancy. The strongest indication that blood transfusion may have an impact on tumor recurrence has been found for patients with early stages of HCC. However, overall, no such effect could be demonstrated for patients undergoing partial liver resection for late stages of HCC, colorectal liver metastasis or cholangiocarcinoma.     

Considerations regarding major bleeding after cardiac transplantation

Postoperative bleeding is one of the most frequent complications after cardiac surgery, leading to longer stays in the intensive care unit (ICU) and the hospital as well as increased morbidity and mortality. We designed an observational prospective study to evaluate early complications after cardiac transplantation, focusing on major bleeding and transfusion requirements. We also evaluated whether massive transfusion was related to increased morbidity and mortality. In patients who received ≥6 blood units, we observed significant differences regarding the need for continuous renal replacement techniques (50% vs 12.5%; P=.01) and ICU mortality (33.3% vs 4%; P=.01). This difference in mortality was also observed when comparing plasma transfusion requirements (35.3% vs 9.4%; P=.04). The overall mortality rate was 24.50%, showing significant differences in patients with massive transfusion (83.3% vs 37.8%; P=.008). In conclusion, perioperative bleeding and massive transfusion were associated with increased morbidity and mortality in this group of patients, which may prompt a review of surgical procedures and the introduction of new techniques, such as thromboelastography.     

Impact of radiofrequency assisted hepatectomy for reduction of transfusion requirements

BACKGROUND: Liver parenchyma transection technique using heat coagulative necrosis induced by radiofrequency (RF) energy is evaluated in this series. METHODS: Between January 2000 and October 2004, 156 consecutive patients underwent liver resection with the RF-assisted technique. Data were collected prospectively to assess the outcome, including intraoperative blood loss, blood transfusion requirement, and morbidity and mortality rates. RESULTS: There were 30 major hepatectomies and 126 minor resections. While total operative time was 241 +/- 89 minutes, the actual resection time was 75 +/- 51 minutes. Intraoperative blood loss was 139 +/- 222 mL. Nine patients (5%) received blood transfusion, predominantly those receiving major hepatectomy (P = .006). Thirty-six patients (23%) developed postoperative complications, and the mortality rate was 3.2%. Mean hospital stay was 12 +/- 12 days. CONCLUSION: The RF-assisted technique is associated with minimal blood loss, a low blood transfusion requirement, and reduced mortality and morbidity rates and can be used for both minor and major liver resections.     

Improving operative safety for cirrhotic liver resection

BACKGROUND: Liver resection in a patient with cirrhosis carries increased risk. The purposes of this study were to review the results of cirrhotic liver resection in the past decade and to propose safe strategies for cirrhotic liver resection. METHODS: Based on the date of operation, 359 cirrhotic liver resections in 329 patients were divided into two intervals: period 1, from September 1989 to December 1994, and period 2, from January 1995 to December 1999. The patient backgrounds, operative procedures and early postoperative results were compared between the two periods. The factors that influenced surgical morbidity were analysed. RESULTS: In period 2, patient age was higher and the amounts of blood loss and blood transfused were lower. Although postoperative morbidity rates were similar, blood transfusion requirement, postoperative hospital stay and mortality rate were significantly reduced in period 2. No death occurred in 154 consecutive cirrhotic liver resections in the last 38 months of the study. Prothrombin activity and operative time were independent factors that influenced postoperative morbidity. CONCLUSION: With improving perioperative assessment and operative techniques, most complications after cirrhotic liver resection can be treated with a low mortality rate. However, more care should be taken if prothrombin activity is low or there is a long operating time.     

1038例原发性肝癌的外科治疗

目的　探讨提高我国肝癌手术治疗的安全性及疗效的措施。方法　分析 1990年 1月至 1998年 12月经手术治疗的原发性肝癌 10 38例 ,其中前期组 (1990年 1月至 1996年 12月 ) 731例 ,肿瘤切除手术 312例 (42 7% ) ,非切除手术 419例 ;后期组 (1997年 1个月至 1998年 12月 ) 30 7例 ,肿瘤切除手术 2 17例 (70 7% ) ,非切除手术 90例。　结果　小肝癌 (直径≤ 5cm)前期组占 7 1% ,后期组 19 9% ;前期组肝癌切除术后 1个月内病死率 2 2 % ,并发症发生率 2 3 7% ,术后 1、3、5年生存率分别为 73 1%、5 4 2 %及 34 0 % ,后期组肝癌切除术后 1个月病死率 0 7% ,并发症发生率 2 2 1% ,术后1、3、5年生存率为 91 1%、6 3 8%及 40 2 %。　结论　 (1)对高危患者定期随访有助于早期发现小肝癌 ;(2 )小肝癌比例的上升 ,围手术期处理的进步及手术技术的改进有助于提高肝癌切除率及长期生存率 ;(3)治疗模式的规范化及新技术 ,如半肝血流阻断、体外静脉转流、门静脉癌栓摘取、原位肝移植等有助于提高手术安全性及疗效。     

ASA 评分在肝癌患者外科治疗风险评估中的作用

目的：探讨ASA评分对肝癌患者外科治疗风险评估的价值。 方法：回顾2006年1月—2010年12月419例原发性肝癌肝切除患者围手术期临床资料,分析患者ASA评分与临床因素的关系,并对可能的相关因素作单因素筛选后行多因素回归分析,分析肝癌术后并发症及术中输血有关的影响因素。 结果：统计分析显示,肝癌患者术前并发症及术前血红蛋白影响ASA评分;随着ASA评分上升,患者术中失血量、输血量、术后并发症及住院天数明显高增加（均P<0.05）。多因素回归分析结果显示,ASA评分、失血量、肝硬化、年龄、丙氨酸转氨酶（ALT）水平是术后并发症发生的独立影响因素（均P<0.05）;ASA评分、手术时间、肿瘤直径是术中输血的独立影响因素（均P<0.05）。 结论：ASA评分是肝癌患者围手术期风险较好的早期预测指标。     

The surgical treatment of liver metastases from colorectal carcinoma: our experience

Data from twelve patients who had hepatic resections for colorectal liver metastases were retrospectively analyzed to determine: 1) whether the use of the ultrasonic surgical dissector and the Argon laser can significantly simplify major hepatic resections and decrease both perioperative blood loss and postoperative morbidity and mortality, and 2) whether an adequate patients selection for surgery can effectively determine an improvement in recurrence rate. We performed 4 bisegmentectomies (2 of V and VI; 2 of VI and VII); 1 trisegmentectomy (V, VI, VII); 2 left lobectomies; 1 right hepatectomy and 4 wedge resections, using both the ultrasonic surgical dissector to fractionate and aspirate the hepatic parenchyma and to clear major vascular and biliary structures and the Argon laser for the coagulation of minor vascular and biliary vessels. The resected metastases averaged 5.5 cm (range: 1.5-7.5); blood transfusion requirements were significantly reduced from previous reports, averaging only 1.25 units (range: 0.3); the average operative time was 238 minutes (110 to 420 minutes). There were no operative deaths, operative morbidity rate was 16.6. The results indicate that the ultrasonic surgical dissector and the Argon laser have made a significant contribution to our marked decrease in the average blood loss and transfusion requirement. The long-term results seems to be improved by an adequate patients selection.     

Liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis

BACKGROUND: Although liver resection is now a safe procedure, its role for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with cirrhosis remains controversial. METHODS: This study compared the results of liver resection for HCC in patients with cirrhosis over two time intervals. One hundred and sixty-one patients had resection during period 1 (1991-1996) and 265 in period 2 (1997-2002). Early and long-term results after liver resection in the two periods were compared, and clinicopathological characteristics that influenced survival were identified. RESULTS: Tumour size was smaller, indocyanine green retention rate was higher, patients were older and a greater proportion of patients were asymptomatic in period 2 than period 1. Operative blood loss, need for blood transfusion, operative mortality rate, postoperative hospital stay and total hospital costs were significantly reduced in period 2. The 5-year disease-free survival rates were 28.2 and 33.9 per cent in periods 1 and 2 respectively (P = 0.042), and 5-year overall survival rates were 45.9 and 61.2 per cent (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified serum alpha-fetoprotein level, need for blood transfusion and Union Internacional Contra la Cancrum tumour node metastasis stage as independent determinants of disease-free and overall survival. CONCLUSION: The results of liver resection for HCC in patients with cirrhosis improved over time. Liver resection remains a good treatment option in selected patients with HCC arising from a cirrhotic liver.