Update on Resection Strategies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Narrative Review

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer, the incidence of which is rising globally. Despite recent advancements in immunotherapeutic and surgical treatment modalities, the prognosis for HCC remains poor. The surgical treatment strategy for HCC comprises a multimodal effort that ranges from ablative therapy and surgical resection to liver transplantation. Thanks to collective efforts from the surgical society, there have been rapid advances in resection strategies, such as 3D printing for surgical planning and minimally invasive techniques to minimize surgical trauma. This review examines recent advancements in surgical techniques, patient selection criteria, and perioperative management for HCC resection. The purpose of this review was to provide clinicians and researchers with an up-to-date perspective on the evolving role of surgical resection in HCC treatment, and to identify key areas for future investigation to improve patient outcomes.