EVALUATING THE CLINICAL BENEFITS OF NON-TRADITIONAL LIVER RESECTION TECHNIQUES IN ELDERLY ATHLETES WITH HEPATIC MALIGNANCIES

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluates the clinical outcomes of non-regular resection (NRR) versus anatomical liver resection (AR) in elderly athletes (>60 years) with hepatocellular carcinoma, aiming to provide insights for surgical planning in this specific population. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 96 elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent liver resection at Anhui Cancer Hospital between January 1, 2015, and April 30, 2020. The study compared the clinical outcomes of 50 patients in the NRR group with 46 in the AR group. Results: The AR group experienced longer average operating times than the NRR group, although postoperative measures such as total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, albumin, and international normalization ratio were similar between groups five days post-surgery (P > 0.05). The AR group showed significantly higher levels of white blood cells (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of complications between the groups (P > 0.05). Two-year postoperative disease-free and overall survival rates were also comparable (P > 0.05). Notably, the survival rates across different age subgroups (60-69, 70-75, >75) indicated that advanced age is an independent risk factor for postoperative mortality in liver cancer, irrespective of the surgical technique used. Conclusion: Non-regular liver resection is a safe and effective option for elderly patients, including those who are active and may be involved in sports. It offers the advantage of shorter surgery times and reduced postoperative stress without increasing mortality, making it a viable option for elderly athletes requiring liver surgery. The findings underscore the need for personalized surgical approaches considering both age and the specific health and activity levels of elderly athletic patients, ensuring optimal outcomes and recovery post-surgery.