Liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotics and noncirrhotics. Evaluation of clinicopathologic features and comparison of risk factors for long‐term survival and tumour recurrence in a single centre

Summary Background : Differences in risk factors for survival and recurrence after liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with or without cirrhosis are not fully clarified. Aim : To review a single‐centre experience of curative liver resections for HCC in order to evaluate clinicopathologic features and the long‐term outcome of cirrhotic and noncirrhotic patients. Methods : From 1981 to 2002, 308 curative liver resections for HCC on cirrhosis (Group 1) and 135 for HCC without cirrhosis (Group 2) were performed. The main demographic, clinicopathologic and operative parameters, as well as early results were analysed and compared. Overall and disease‐free survival were evaluated. Prognostic factors for survival and for tumour recurrence were studied by univariate and multivariate analysis. Results : Group 1 had worse preoperative liver function and higher frequency of hepatitis C virus infection. In Group 2, HCC showed larger mean tumour diameter (P