J.Jpn. Surg. Soc.. 105(4): 292-295, 2004

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Feature topic

MANAGEMENT OF SPONTANEOUS RUPTURED HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA

Spontaneous rupture is a major life-threatening complication of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Ruptured HCC often causes hypovolemic shock and hepatic hypoperfusion. Patients with impaired liver function tend to lapse into liver failure, which is the main cause of death. To prevent liver failure, accurate diagnosis and adequate treatment for the restoration of the efficient liver perfusion are required. Emergent transarterial embolization (TAE) is the most effective and less-invasive treatment for hemostasis. On the other hand, emergent hepatic resection should be avoided because of the increased risk of postoperative liver failure and incomplete resection of the tumor. After achieving hemostasis, a second-stage therapeutic approach for HCC is required. Patients with acceptable liver function should undergo surgery. The prognosis of ruptured HCC treated with secondstage hepatectomy is considered to be comparable with that of nonruptured HCC. In conclusion, spontaneous rupture of HCC is considered to be a combination of acute and severe peritoneal hemorrhage with malignant disease. To improve the prognosis, adequate early treatment for the control of hemorrhage while preserving liver function is an important factor. TAE followed by elective hepatectomy is considered the most effective treatment.

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