Liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma

H Lau, CM Lo, CL Lai, ST Fan
Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third commonest cancer in Hong Kong. Up to 80% of patients have inoperable tumour at presentation, either because of underlying cirrhosis or advanced stage of the disease. The present report described a case of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) for HCC. Prognostic factors for survival and selection criteria for liver transplantation are discussed. Early referral of selected patients with HCC to a transplant centre can offer a hope of cure. The best candidate for OLT is a young patient with an asymptomatic small HCC in a cirrhotic liver.

Hong Kong Med J 1996;2:425-7

Key words: Liver neoplasms; Transplantation; hepatic; Carcinoma, hepatocellular