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Wound recurrence after resection of hepatocellular carcinoma
Author(s) -
Koffi Eric,
Moutardier Vincent,
Sauvanet Alain,
Noun Roger,
Fléjou Jean François,
Belghiti Jacques
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
liver transplantation and surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.814
H-Index - 150
eISSN - 1527-6473
pISSN - 1074-3022
DOI - 10.1002/lt.500020409
Subject(s) - medicine , hepatocellular carcinoma , surgery , complication , resection , hepatectomy , carcinoma
Abstract Cutaneous metastases arising along the exit site of an abdominal drain in one patient and within the operative wound in two others after resection of a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are reported. All patients underwent curative hepatic resection, and cutaneous metastases occurred 9, 12, and 22 months after surgery respectively. Cutaneous metastases were not associated with intrahepatic recurrence and were treated by local excision. Two patients are alive and disease‐free 48 and 49 months after hepatic resection, respectively; the third patient died from recurrence 39 months later. These observations suggest that cutaneous malignant seeding may occur, and the authors recommend the observance of special care during liver surgery to prevent occurrence of this complication, including the use of wound protection and avoiding the opening of the specimen by the surgeon. The follow‐up of patients who have undergone liver resection for an HCC should include the examination of all operative wounds including the exit site of abdominal drains. These subcutaneous nodules should be resected as an appreciable survival can be expected. Copyright © 1996 by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.