HCC in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic liver: timing to surgery and outcome. State of the art

In this chapter we aim at presenting status of art in Liver Surgery. After a brief introduction about natural evolution of HCC either in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients, this manuscript will focus on planning and timing surgery: CT evaluation of remnant liver, biopsy and US evaluation of liver disease, intra-operative US, surgical techniques, such as major and limited hepatectomies, two-stage hepatectomies, each of them in open or mini-invasive approach, and their possible complications. Follow-up and further interventions during expected recurrences will be highlighted. Our chapter will also treat topics such as patient's quality of life, importance of multidisciplinary evaluation and the role of surgeon in it.