Wide surgical margins improve prognosis for HCC with microvascular invasion.

OBJECTIVE: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth leading cause of malignant tumors worldwide. Liver resection is a pivotal treatment modality for HCC. Surgical margin plays an important role in decreasing recurrence and improving prognosis for HCC patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This paper aimed to perform a systematic review of the literature in regard to surgical margin in HCC patients with microvascular invasion (MVI).

RESULTS: Residual MVI due to insufficient surgical margins is the main origin of postoperative recurrence and metastasis in HCC patients. A wide surgical margin (WSM) significantly improves oncological outcomes and long-term survival in HCC patients with MVI. Progress in the preoperative prediction of MVI may contribute to precise surgical decision-making in the future.

CONCLUSIONS: WSM was associated with better outcomes in HCC patients with MVI. WSM is recommended for well-preserved liver function HCC patients who are predicted to have a high risk of MVI preoperatively.