Background: Repeat hepatic resection for recurrent primary or secondary liver cancer is performed due to advances in resection techniques and evidence of survival benefit. This paper presents the safety and efficacy of repeat radiofrequency-assisted hepatic resection to highlight the utility of the technique.
Methods: 264 consecutive hepatic resections performed on 218 patients were identified. The subset of patients with recurrent disease (n = 24) suitable for repeat hepatic resection had their records reviewed.
Results: Including initial (n = 24), second (n = 24) and third hepatic resection (n = 6), a total of 54 hepatic resections were performed in 24 patients. Non-anatomical resection in the form of metastasectomy was the most common procedure. There were no post-operative deaths. Four patients (17%) had complications after their second resection and 1 (17%) after the third resection. There were no cases of bile leak or liver failure. The proportion of repeat hepatic resection for recurrent disease was high: 50% of recurrences were suitable for further resection after initial resection and 43% after second resection.
Conclusion: Radiofrequency-assisted repeat hepatic resection is a safe procedure and may increase the proportion of patients who can be considered for a curative repeat hepatic resection.
Copyright 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.