REPEATED RESECTION FOR MALIGNANT LIVER-TUMORS

Fifteen repeat hepatic resections were performed on 12 patients with either recurrent or residual malignant tumours of the liver. Of these, one patient underwent three repeat resections and another underwent two. Five had primary liver tumours and seven had liver metastases. Planned, 'staged', repeat resections were performed on three patients because of multiple deposits of tumour, cirrhosis or extensive disease at initial presentation. There was no operative mortality. The period of follow-up from the time of repeat resection ranged between 4 months and 36 months during which two patients died from recurrent disease. The mean survival after the repeat resection was 16.8 months (range 4-36 months). Although technically demanding, repeat hepatectomy is feasible and may provide similar benefits.