Is the anterior approach recommended for liver resection of hepatocellular carcinoma? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background/PurposeThe anterior approach (AA) in liver resection has proven more effective with regard to short-term outcomes than the conventional approach (CA). However, its superiority over the CA concerning long-term outcomes remains unclear. This meta-analysis compared the short- and long-term outcomes of the AA and CA.MethodsDatabases, including MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, were searched to identify studies comparing the AA and CA for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) liver resection. The primary outcomes were the in-hospital mortality, in-hospital morbidity, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes were operative time, blood loss, blood transfusion, R0 rate, and length of hospital stay.ResultsTen studies involving 1369 patients were included (AA, n = 595; CA, n = 774). Despite no significant differences in the in-hospital mortality or morbidity, the AA demonstrated a superior DFS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.51-0.77) and OS (HR, 0.56; 95% CI: 0.48-0.65) and was associated with a longer operative time, less blood loss, and less transfusion than the CA. No marked differences in other outcomes were noted.ConclusionsThe AA for HCC liver resection helped reduce blood loss and need for transfusion, improving the DFS and OS.