Background
/ Aims : Computed tomography during arterial portography and computed tomography during hepatic arteriography (CTAP and CTHA), one of the most sensitive method in detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) nodules , is reported to reduce unnecessary operation of HCC. However, it is not clear whet her CT AP and CT HA can reduce early post operative recurrence rate of HCC. We performed this study to find any differences in early postoperative recurrence rate of HCC according to the imaging modalities used for preoperativest aging. Methods : Ninety- seven patients with HCC who had underg one curative hepat icres ection from Dec.1994 to Mar . 1998 were included (median age = 52 years (26 - 78), M:F = 85:12). They were classified into 3 groups according to the imaging methods used for preoper ative staging: CTAP & CTHA group (n=56), Lipiodol CT group (n=24), and three phase helical CT group (n=16). No significant inter-group difference was found in preoperative status of the patients or characteristics of HCC. One-year recurrence rates were compared by log- rank test . Results : HCC recurred in 17 of 97 patients (18.7%) within 12 months. A significant difference in 1- year recurrence rate was observed between the groups: helical CT , may be a superior imaging modality for preoperative staging of HCC that can reduce early postoperative recurrence rate. (Korean J Hepatol 1998;4:358 364)
