Liver Resection in Pediatric Patients

Abstract

Liver resection is the most frequently used method to treat hepatocarcinoma in pediatric patients. Approximately 70 % of hepatocarcinomas in children are malignant. In Europe and North America, primary hepatic malignancy is one of the ten most common malignancies in children, although it only accounts for approximately 1.1 % among other primary hepatic malignancies. Hepatoblastoma, the most common primary hepatic malignancy in pediatric patients, accounts for approximately 80 % of primary hepatic malignancies and 43–64 % of hepatocarcinomas in children. Hepatoblastoma is commonly seen in children under 3 years of age, is rarely observed in those beyond 5 years of age, and is predominantly present in males (male/female ratio 2.5:1); it can also be seen in adults. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is another common malignancy in children, accounting for approximately 23 % of pediatric hepatocarcinomas. The prevalence distribution of pediatric HCC is bimodal, with the first peak at ages <5 years and a second peak between 13 and 15 years. Surgical removal is important in treating pediatric hepatoblastoma and HCC.