Stage-specific impact of portal hypertension on outcomes after liver resection in hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The impact of clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) on patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after liver resection remains controversial. This study evaluated the effect of CSPH on postoperative outcomes in very-early, early, and intermediate-stage HCC.

METHODS

In total, 857 patients with HCC undergoing liver resection were identified from a single-institution database. Patients were stratified using the Japan integrated staging (JIS) score, which combines Child-Pugh grade (A: 0, B: 1, C: 2) and TNM stage (I: 0, II: 1, III: 2, IV: 3). Patients were categorized as very-early (JIS 0, n = 198), early (JIS 1, n = 272), and intermediate (JIS 2-4, n = 287). Multivariable Cox regression assessed overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

Risk-adjusted hazard ratios [95% confidence intervals] for OS in CSPH versus non-CSPH patients were 2.18 [1.14-4.18] (very-early), 0.67 [0.40-1.11] (early), and 1.67 [1.10-2.56] (intermediate). In early stage HCC, CSPH had no significant impact on OS, liver failure (19% vs. 19%, p = 0.925), 90-day mortality (2.6% vs. 2.9%, p = 1.000), or liver decompensation-related death (12% vs. 15%, p = 0.758). However, CSPH patients in very-early and intermediate stages had significantly higher liver failure (0.7% vs. 6.9%, p = 0.027; 6.0% vs. 19%, p = 0.001) and decompensation-related deaths (3.3% vs. 18%, p = 0.027; 9.0% vs. 34%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

CSPH's impact varied by stage. In early stage HCC, CSPH had minimal effect on survival. However, in very-early and intermediate stages, CSPH was associated with worse outcomes. Refining surgical criteria for patients who have HCC with CSPH is essential to balance oncological benefits and hepatic risks.