Laparoscopic liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: a single-center experience in upper egypt

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide. Liver transplantation is an effective therapy for HCC but cannot be done in all HCC cases. Hepatic resection is the first-line therapy for HCC in compensated cirrhosis with proven cure. Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) of HCC had a lower frequency of postoperative complications than open approach. Aim The aim was to determine the feasibility, safety, and outcome of LLR for HCC in a single center. Patients and methods This study was done on patients with HCC who underwent laparoscopic resection during 2 years. LLR was decided by the surgical team based on the location of the tumor and its size in imaging. All cases were cirrhotic Child-Pugh class A with a single focal lesion. Operative time, blood loss volume, hospital stay, and postoperative complications were reported. Results This study included 20 HCC cases with a mean age 55.6 +/- 9.1 years. Of them, 60% were male. The mean size of focal lesion was 3.9 +/- 0.8cm. Wedge resection was done in 65% of cases. Left lateral anatomical resection was done in 35%. Duration of operation ranged from 70 to 120min. Bleeding occurred in one case only and was converted to open (5%). Hospital stays ranged from 2 to 4 days. Postoperative ascites occurred in one (5%) case. No short-term mortality was seen. Conclusion Laparoscopic minor hepatectomy is an acceptable approach in selected cases of HCC with decreased blood loss, shorter stay in the hospital, and less complications.