The challenging surgical management of hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma: a narrative review

Background and objective: Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEHE) is an uncommon vascular endothelial cell cancer involving the hepatic tissue with full malignant potential. HEHE diagnosis is challenging because blood tests and radiological findings are often non-pathognomonic. Therapeutic possibilities are manifold, ranging from a simple "wait and see" to surgical approaches, up to systemic therapies with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors. The standardized adoption of the surgical approaches, namely resection or transplantation, still remains unclear. Aim of this review is to clarify the role of the surgical strategies for the management of HEHE. Methods: A review of the literature was done with the intent to focus on the relevant studies exploring the role of the different surgical therapies. A search of these studies was done using the electronic database MEDLINE-PubMed. Key content and findings: The surgical approaches, namely resection or transplantation, represent the best option in treating well-selected patients with HEHE. Resection is indicated in the case of single lesion or oligonodular monolobar disease. Liver transplantation is indicated in the case of multifocal bilobar disease, even in the presence of resectable extrahepatic disease. The potential role of a minimally invasive approach should represent a relevant field to explore. Conclusions: The impact of surgery for the treatment of HEHE requires further studies to further clarify its relevant role. Standardized approaches are required.