Resection of Huge Liver Cancer Involving the Second Porta Hepatis：A Report of 55 Cases

Objective To investigate the possibility and surgical procedures for huge liver cancer involving the second porta hepatis.Methods 55 cases of huge liver cancer, with the diameter of 8-28 cm(mean 12.7 cm) were studied. Right subcostal or “rooftop” incision was made, the liver ligments were divided, good exposure of the tumor and access to retrohepatic inferior vena cava were achieved.Hepatectomies were completed under intermittent interruption of first porta hepatis. Occluding tape around vena cava was applied before liver resection if necessary.Results All tumors were successfully resected without death during operation.The longest survival time was now 4 years in one case. The 1-4 year postoperative survival rates were 63%,50%,50% and 30% respectively.Conclusion Young patients with solitary large liver tumor, which grows slowly over a long period on basis of non-cirrhotic or mild cirrhotic liver, should undergo an exploration in an attempt of resection irrespective of the image contraindication, provided that there is no extra-hepatic metastasis.