Prognosis analysis of repeat hepatectomy for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma with Cox proportional hazards model

Objective This retrospective study was to explore the efficacy and determine the risk factors of survival for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma ( HCC) treated by repeat hepatectomy. Methods From January 1995 till December 2010, 60 patients with recurrent HCCs, were treated by repeat hepatectomy.The significance of seventeen clinical or pathological variables in the risk factors of overall survival were assessed. Results The overall survival 1,3, and 5-year survival rates were 76. 3% , 40.7% and 25. 0% (from repeat hepatectomy), and 95. 0% , 62. 6% and 43. 3% ( from initial hepatectomy) , respectively.Univariate analysis indicated that tumor size at initial hepatectomy, recurrence interval from initial hepatectomy, serum albumin(ALB) level, resection margin, diameter of largest recurrence tumor and rumor vascular invasion were significant prognostic factors(P <0. 05, Kaplan-Meier Log-rank test). Multivariate analysis showed recurrence interval from initial hepatectomy, resection margin, diameter of largest recurrence tumor and rumor vascular invasion were significant prognostic factors(P<0.05, Cox proportional hazards model).Conclusion Repeat hepatectomy is effective for recurrent HCC. Recurrence interval from initial hepatectomy, resection margin, diameter of largest recurrence tumor and rumor vascular invasion were significant prognostic factors. Key words: Hepatocellular carcinoma;  Recurrence;  Repeat hepatectomy;  Prognosis