Healthcare disparities in access to surgical management and outcomes of patients with nonmetastatic primary liver cancer: A population based study from Louisiana tumor registry

This study aims to identify factors associated with disparities in receipt and outcomes of surgical interventions in patients with primary nonmetastatic liver cancers. Cases from 2010 to 2020 were identified using Louisiana Tumor Registry. Four surgical categories were utilized: none, ablation, resection, transplant. Bivariate relationships were assessed via Chi-square tests. Overall survival (OS) was visualized using Kaplan Meier plots, compared via log-rank test, and analyzed with Cox proportional hazards models. Only 24.5 ​% of patients underwent surgical interventions. Black race had decreased odds of undergoing transplant and decreased OS with transplant. Uninsured, Medicaid, and rural residence had decreased odds of receiving surgical intervention. Older age and no domestic partner had decreased odds of transplant. Older age, male sex, no domestic partner, and rural residence had decreased OS post-transplant. Identifying the population at risk for not receiving surgical intervention and allocating resources to access care is crucial to improve outcomes. •24.5 ​% of patients with primary nonmetastatic liver cancer had surgical intervention.•Surgical interventions significantly improved overall survival.•Black patients significantly decreased odds of undergoing transplant.•Insurance, residence, and social support impacted receipt of surgical treatment.•Identifying risk factors and resource allocation is crucial for improvement.