Resection of a Transplantable Single-Nodule Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Child-Pugh Class A Cirrhosis: Factors Affecting Survival and Recurrence

The aim of this study was to estimate the survival rates and define risk factors for tumor recurrence after resection surgery for single hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) <= 5 cm (on preoperative imaging) that developed on compensated cirrhosis. A retrospective review studied patients treated by surgical resection. Overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), recurrence rates, and risk factors were studied for all patients. A total of 49 patients were treated by resection. The 5-year OS and DFS rates were 52 and 41%, respectively, after 2000. Three independent risk factors were found for OS and DFS: macroscopic vascular invasion, satellite nodules, R1 resection. In the absence of these three factors, the 5-year OS was 59%. Recurrence rates were 63%. Delayed recurrence was significantly related to the 5-year OS. One factor was correlated with early recurrence: the presence of satellite nodules; and one factor was correlated with late recurrence: hepatitis C virus infection. R0 resection for HCC on compensated cirrhosis may offer good long-term survival in the absence of satellites nodules and macrovascular invasion. Thus, a first approach resection is proposed with the possibility of salvage transplantation. In other cases, resection may be a bridge to transplantation (transplantation de principe).