Surgical treatment of giant haemangioma of the liver.

BACKGROUND

The treatment of giant symptomatic haemangioma of the liver is still controversial. This retrospective study reviewed the results of surgical treatment.

METHODS

Twenty-eight patients with symptomatic giant haemangioma of the liver were treated by liver resection (n = 24) or liver transplantation (n = 4). The median diameter of the haemangiomas was 11 (range 5-20) cm.

RESULTS

Complications occurred in five of the 24 patients treated by partial liver resection, although all survived and remain alive and well more than 2 years after surgery. In six patients there was residual haemangioma in the liver remnant which did not enlarge during the 2-year follow-up. In four patients the haemangioma was considered irresectable and liver transplantation was performed. One died after a 'two-stage' liver transplantation; the remaining three patients are alive and well, 1, 4 and 9 years after transplantation.

CONCLUSION

Liver resection is the treatment of choice for giant haemangioma of the liver where possible. In selected cases liver transplantation is indicated.