Liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with end-stage renal failure

Background and Objectives: Surgical resection remains the main option for curing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, liver resection in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is risky. The aim of this study is to clarify the role of liver resection for treating HCC in patients with ESRD. Methods: A retrospective review was carried out on 468 patients who underwent liver resection for HCC between 1989 and 1999. The clinicopathological characteristics and operative results of 12 patients who had ESRD (ESRD group) were compared with those of the other 456 patients who did not have ESRD (non-ESRD group). In the ESRD group, heparin-free hemodialysis using the periodic saline-rinse method was performed during the perioperative period. Results: The ESRD group had lower hemoglobin and a higher serum creatinine levels. Other patient background and tumor pathological characteristics were comparable between the two groups as well. The operative morbidity and mortality between the two groups were also similar. The 5-year disease-free survival rates for ESRD and non-ESRD groups were 35.0 and 34.2% (P=0.31), respectively, while the 5-year actuarial survival rates were 67.8 and 53.3% (P = 0.54), respectively. Conclusion: With improving techniques and knowledge of dialysis, liver resection for HCC is justified in selected patients with ESRD. J. Surg. Oncol. 2001;78:241-247. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.