Post-hepatectomy Early Recurrences in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Patterns and Treatment Approvaches in the Indian Subcontinent

Recurrences after resection for HCC pose a significant treatment challenge. Early recurrences are defined as recurrences occurring within one year of surgery. They are the “true” recurrences - secondary to the presence of occult intrahepatic metastases and due to intrahepatic dissemination of neoplasm through the portal circulation. Late recurrence is related to underlying liver disease. Treatment of recurrence with various modalities tends to improve survival and must be individualized in a multidisciplinary tumor board. Over the years, various factors have been identified to predict early recurrences. However, studies from India in this regard are limited. Treatment options for recurrences in the Indian subcontinent may vary due to late presentation of patients, inadequate funds, patients’ poor nutritional and socio- economic status. This is a retrospective study of patients with HCC who have undergone surgical resection between July 2010 to July 2024. The study aims to analyze recurrence patterns after surgical resection for HCC and identify factors leading to early recurrence and discuss ways of managing these recurrences to improve outcomes.