Outcomes of Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Experiences from a Vietnamese Center

Overview

Journal Ann Hepatobiliary Pancreat Surg

Date 2024 Jan 9

PMID 38193614

Authors

Khai Viet Ninh

Dang Hai Do

Trung Duc Nguyen

Phuong Ha Tran

Tuan Hoang

Dung Thanh Le

Nghia Quang Nguyen

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Backgrounds/aims: Liver transplantation (LT) provides a favorable outcome for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and was launched in Vietnam in 2004. In this study, we evaluated the short-term and long-term outcomes of LT and its risk factors.

Methods: This retrospective study analyzed HCC patients who underwent LT at Viet Duc University hospital, Vietnam, from 01/2012-03/2022. The following data were gathered: demographics, virus infection, tumor characteristics, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level, Child-Pugh and MELD scores, selection criteria, type of LT, complications, 30-day mortality, and disease-free and overall survival (DFS and OS).

Results: Fifty four patients were included, the mean age was 55.39 ± 8.46 years. Nearly 90% had hepatitis B virus-related HCC. The median (interquartile range) AFP level was 16.2 (88.7) ng/mL. The average MELD score was 10.57 ± 5.95; the rate of Child-Pugh A and B were 70.4% and 18.5%, respectively. Nearly 40% of the patients were within Milan criteria, brain-dead donor was 83.3%. Hepatic and portal vein thrombosis occurred in 0% and 1.9%, respectively; hepatic artery thrombosis 1.9%, biliary leakage 5.6%, and postoperative hemorrhage 3.7%. Ninety-day mortality was 5.6%. Five-year DFS and OS were 79.3% and 81.4%, respectively. MELD score and Child-Pugh score were predictive factors for DFS and OS ( < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, Child-Pugh score was the only significant factor ( < 0.05).

Conclusions: In Vietnam, LT is an effective therapy for HCC with an acceptable complication rate, mortality rate, and good survival outcomes, and should be further encouraged.

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