Background: As the morbidity and mortality rates associated with emergency
resection in patients with a ruptured hepatocellular adenoma are high, the
authors have favoured initial non-operative management in haemodynamically
stable patients.
Methods: A retrospective study was performed to evaluate the treatment of r
uptured hepatocellular adenoma.
Results: Over a 21-year interval, 12 patients presented with a ruptured hep
atocellular adenoma. Haemodynamic observation and support was the initial m
anagement in all 12 patients. Three underwent urgent laparotomy and gauze p
acking because of haemodynamic instability; no emergency liver resection wa
s necessary. Eight patients had definitive surgery; three developed postope
rative complications but none died. Regression of the tumour was observed i
n three of four patients treated conservatively.
Conclusion: The initial management of a ruptured hepatocellular adenoma sho
uld be haemodynamic stabilization. Definitive resection is required for reb
leeding or for tumours exceeding 5 cm in diameter. A conservative approach
may well be justified in case of regression of an asymptomatic adenoma.