Wide surgical margins improve prognosis for HCC with microvascular invasion.

OBJECTIVE

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth leading cause of malignant tumors worldwide. Liver resection is a pivotal treatment modality for HCC. Surgical margin plays an important role in decreasing recurrence and improving prognosis for HCC patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This paper aimed to perform a systematic review of the literature in regard to surgical margin in HCC patients with microvascular invasion (MVI).

RESULTS

Residual MVI due to insufficient surgical margins is the main origin of postoperative recurrence and metastasis in HCC patients. A wide surgical margin (WSM) significantly improves oncological outcomes and long-term survival in HCC patients with MVI. Progress in the preoperative prediction of MVI may contribute to precise surgical decision-making in the future.

CONCLUSIONS

WSM was associated with better outcomes in HCC patients with MVI. WSM is recommended for well-preserved liver function HCC patients who are predicted to have a high risk of MVI preoperatively.